Notice of Dates and Locations for Public Scoping Meetings on the Review of the Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan

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The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS) was designated in 1992. Encompassing an 842-square mile area off the coast of Massachusetts, SBNMS protects one of the most biologically diverse areas along the eastern seaboard. It is one of the primary feeding grounds of the highly migratory humpback whale, the part-time home of the endangered northern right whale, and has a highly varied seafloor that supports a wide variety of demersal fish species and invertebrate species. In accordance with Section 304(e) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, as amended, (NMSA) (16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.), the NMSP has re-initiated a review of the SBNMS management plan to evaluate the substantive progress toward implementing the management plan and goals of the Sanctuary and to make revisions to the plan and regulations as necessary to fulfill the purposes and policies of the NMSA. NOAA is currently seeking comments on the scope, types, and significance of issues related to the Sanctuary management plan and regulations.