Farr Introduces Bill to Protect Federal Waters Off California Coast

Press Release

Today, Representatives Sam Farr (D-Calif.) and Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) introduced the California Seamounts and Ridges National Marine Conservation Area Designation and Management Act (H.R. 5797) to protect seamounts, ridges and banks in federal waters off the California coastline.

"Growing up along the Central Coast, I've always loved our oceans and I know how important they are for our environment and economy," said Rep. Farr. "In 42 years of serving in elected office, I've championed ocean conservation and policies to improve our coastal communities. This bill carries on that legacy by bringing together fisherman, tribes, scientists, community leaders, organizations and governments to protect extraordinary waters."

"I am proud to cosponsor the California Seamounts and Ridges National Marine Conservation Area Designation and Management Act. California's coastline, seamounts, ridges and banks are some of our most precious treasures, and I applaud Rep. Farr's leadership on this issue," said Rep. Lieu.

"These are extraordinary places," says Jane Lubchenco, former Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "Seamounts off of California support rare deep‐water corals and sponges, endangered white abalone, endangered fin and blue whales, and many other iconic species. These remote, deep areas are also a vital frontier for scientific discovery, as research expeditions continue to yield new species and new knowledge."

Federal waters off California's coastline are home to an exceptional array of seamounts, ridges and banks that host diverse and rare wildlife and habitat. There are also extraordinary geological features, including undersea islands and extinct volcanoes.

Currently, less than one percent of all federal waters are protected.

Although these remote areas are offshore and relatively far from coastal populations, these seamounts, ridges and banks are at risk from human impacts. Climate change, ocean acidification, over fishing, energy development, mining and other activities threaten these unique areas.

H.R. 5797 also includes a robust public consultation process to include tribes, fishermen and stakeholders to better understand the activities occurring in certain areas.

Many marine reserves have spurred economic growth through ecotourism and enhancement of local fisheries.

All recreational fishing, including commercially licensed charter boat fishing, and commercial Albacore fishing will continue to be allowed in the protected areas.

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