Rep. Huffman: New National Marine Sanctuaries Expansion Will Help Protect Ocean Ecosystems From Ravages of Climate Change

Statement

Huffman: "These sanctuaries can reduce environmental stressors on sea life and help prevent extinction: climate change mitigation at its best"

Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael), a member of the House Safe Climate Caucus, today released a video celebrating the expansion of the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries announced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration last week. Huffman noted that the 2,200 square mile expansion of the National Marine Sanctuaries is critically important for mitigating the effects of climate change in that they reduce environmental stressors on sea life and help prevent extinction.

"The impacts of climate change are being felt in our oceans already… it is harming ocean ecosystems, which already face threats from pollution, ocean acidification, and overfishing. If there's one thing we know about the ocean, it's that it is a complex, interconnected ecosystem. Harming ocean chemistry and altering the biodiversity of our seas will have very serious consequences," Huffman said.

"And that's why expanding this network of marine sanctuaries is such a critical step in protecting marine life from further climate harm… These sanctuaries can reduce environmental stressors on sea life and help prevent extinction: climate change mitigation at its best."

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