We, the undersigned, stand in strong support of our nation's marine national monuments and urge the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to maintain their full protection. Our marine national monuments help sustain ocean life, boost fish populations, and give the ocean a chance to adapt to changing ocean conditions. They also recognize important cultural ties to the areas they protect, such as the cross-cultural Indigenous Pacific voyaging legacy. These special places are not just for us, but for future generations, and they are essential for keeping our oceans healthy.

Allowing industrial fishing within monument boundaries will cause damage to these sensitive ecosystems – disrupting food webs, degrading ecosystem function, and killing protected species like sharks, sea turtles, whales, and rays. These special places are simply not the right place for extractive commercial activities—just as industrial logging is not permitted in our national parks.

National monuments have a long and proud history of strong bipartisan support, rooted in the scientific consensus that providing sanctuary for ocean wildlife and habitats helps them withstand stresses like climate change and recover more rapidly after disturbances. This is why Presidents from both parties have permanently protected these areas. These areas are simply too culturally and biologically important and sensitive to be commercially exploited.

Our oceans are facing major challenges, and our marine monuments are a key part of the solution. By maintaining their protections, you are ensuring that these irreplaceable natural and cultural treasures remain intact for generations to come. We urge you to uphold the full protection of U.S. marine monuments and keep them free from industrial fishing.

Sincerely,