Webinar: Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Expansion

Join Turtle Island Restoration Network to learn and ask questions about an exciting project in the Gulf of Mexico that will expand the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, protecting critical habitat for threatened and endangered species of manta rays, sea turtles, and corals!

When: Tuesday, May 26 at 1PM Central

Cost: Free!

Email mclausen@environmenttexas.org to register. Webinar instructions will be provided upon registration. 

Building on more than 30 years of scientific studies, NOAA has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to expand Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. The proposal would expand the sanctuary from 56 square miles to 140 square miles to protect additional critical habitat in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

The proposed rule for expansion would add 14 additional reefs and banks to the sanctuary. These reefs provide important habitat for recreationally and commercially important fish, as well as threatened or endangered species of manta rays, sea turtles, and corals.

NOAA is inviting the public to provide input on any aspect of the notice of proposed rulemaking during a public comment period ending on July 3, 2020.

After many years of work, this critical step in the expansion process for Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary!

GP Schmahl, superintendent of the sanctuary, will complete the online presentation and Emma Hickerson, research coordinator, will participate. Both will be available to answer your questions.