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NOAA initiates five-year review of marine sanctuary nomination of Mariana Trench
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has initiated a review of the Mariana Trench National Marine Sanctuary nomination, set to expire on March 13, 2022, after five years in the sanctuary nomination inventory. NOAA has not initiated a designation process for this site.
The purpose of the five-year review is to determine if the nomination remains accurate and responsive to the 11 criteria on national significance and management considerations.
NOAA has consulted with the nominating party and is now accepting public comments to gather new or updated information. The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries will then determine if the Mariana Trench National Marine Sanctuary nomination will remain in the inventory for an additional five years.
Written comments must be received by Feb. 22, 2022. Comments may be entered on the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Submit electronic comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal and search for Docket Number NOAA-NOS-2022-0005.
To comment by mail: Kristina Kekuewa, Pacific Islands Regional Director, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, 1845 Wasp Blvd., Honolulu, Hawaii 96818.
To comment by email: Kristina.Kekuewa@noaa.gov.
NOAA will conduct a virtual meeting on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, from 10am to 12pm ChST (Guam/Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands)/Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, from 2pm to 4pm HST (Hawaii). NOAA may end the meeting before the time noted above if all those participating have completed their oral comments.
Register online for the Feb. 12 virtual public meeting: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7938457880255887375
For more information about the nomination or five-year review process, visit nominate.noaa.gov. (PR)
