12. 



14. 



15. 



lU 



Research: Regarding research activities, emphasis should be placed on "applied" 

 research, directed at monitoring long term environmental trends, cumulative impacts 

 and in fashioning remedial measures for any problems identified. These problems 

 include the affects of recreational and commercial traffic, the outfall tunnel and the 

 NfBDS. To the extent that data exists but has yet to be put to use in addressing 

 problems, the sanctuary program could serve as an important vehicle for linking 

 researchers and their results with decision makers and their authorities. Because fish 

 are vital components of the manne ecosystem, at the very least we would encourage 

 NOAA, as pan of its research program for the SBNMS, to monitor the status of local 

 fisheries as weU as the effea these activities may be having on other sanctuary 

 Resources. 



/^rfvi-^nrv rnmmittee: We endorse NOAA's proposal to establish a -sanctuary 

 advisory comminee" (SAC) to assist interested groups in participaung m the sancniary 

 program for the Stellwagen Bank areas and advise NOAA on a range of issues 

 affecting sancmarv management, education and research. This committee, made up of 

 individuals in suppon of the sanctuary, should be strictly advisory in namre, with 

 NOAA retaining full responsibility for the administration and management of the 

 sanctuarv and its resources. Moreover, a fiiU range of perspectives, e.xpertise, and 

 experience should be represented. Given the high level of interest and suppon this 

 effon has received from the Stellwagen Bank Coalition and its vigorous paniapation 

 in the designation process, we feel that it would be only proper that members of the 

 Coalition which include members of the fishing, academic and research commumties 

 be thoroughly represented on the committee. In addition, given the Center's long 

 history of involvement in this and other sanctuary proposals, we would apprenate the 

 opportunity to participate on the SAC. 



Other Ts.sues 



We have identified several inconsistences in the DEIS/NfP. These 

 inconsistencies send an unclear message in several of your recommendations. For 

 example, on page i and 102 of the DEIS/MP NOAA proposes the prohibition of the 

 installation of pipelines and cables within the sanctuary. Yet on page 2 and page 195 

 and other areas of the document this prohibition is not included. Although NOAA 

 may assume that it is implied in several of the other prohibitions, this is not clear. 

 The Center supports this prohibition and recommends that NOAA clarify its 

 recommendations. 



In the abstract and page 10 the DEIS/MP states that the principal human 

 activity dependent on the Bank's resources is commercial fishing. According to 

 several studies including information collected from the Stellwagen Bank Conference, 

 whale watching is also a major artivity in the area both monetarily and as a user of 

 the area. This activity also enhances education of the areas resources. 'The Center 

 recommends that whale watching be included in discussions about the principal human 

 activities dependent on the Bank's resources (i.e. page 1). 



The Center hopes that you will find these comments and suggestions useful. 

 We look to NOAA to be responsive to pubic comment in preparing the final 

 document and recommendations for the SBNMS. Indeed, we look to you to embrace 



the challenge and the opportunity to provide this truly remarkable region with the 

 long-lasting protection it so richly deserves. 



Please keep us fully apprised of the status of this proposal. 

 Sincerely, 



"V^^ 



Jetuiifer McCann 



Marine Protected Areas Specialist, Habitat Conservation Program 



cc Interested Parties 



13. Comments noted. Sanctuary research 

 will include topics addressing manage- 

 ment needs, as well as monitoring 

 efforts to determine effects of various 

 human activities on Sanctuary resources 

 and qualities. 



14. Comments noted. See PART TWO, 

 Section IV. A. 4. for expanded discussion 

 of Sanctuary Advisory Committee. See 

 also generic response 0. 



15. Noted inconsistencies have been 

 corrected at PART TWO, Section III.B.2. 

 and PART FOUR, Section I.B.I. 



16. NOAA has revised the FEIS Abstract 

 and PART ONE,F. to reflect the commer- 

 cial importance of whalewatch 

 activities. 



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