October 29, 2015 — The following was released by NOAA:
We would like to thank those of you who have taken the time to engage with NOAA on possible protections for some of the most ecologically important areas in the Atlantic Ocean, including several deep sea canyons and seamounts. We are committed to evaluating opportunities to protect important marine resources and habitat, while limiting impacts to those people and businesses whose livelihoods depend on these waters.
We received a lot of valuable input at the town hall meeting and have received many helpful comments and questions submitted electronically.
Many of you have requested more details and additional opportunities for public comment, and in the coming months we intend to release additional information about the area under consideration and solicit feedback.
In the meantime, if you have more thoughts that you would like to share, please continue to send them to: atlanticconservation@noaa.gov.