John,
The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of Texas and Louisiana is a unique place where threatened giant manta rays glide through the water, effortlessly feeding on plankton.
Over the past decade, stakeholders and officials for the marine sanctuary have developed plans to expand the sanctuary from the three existing designated areas to a total of seventeen protected zones. The proposed expansion would provide more than 160 square miles of protected area for juvenile manta rays and other species.
Please speak out in support of this positive step for protecting marine life in the area!
Manta rays can be found throughout the world’s warmer oceans and gulfs, but they are susceptible to being caught as bycatch by commercial fishing and for other purposes. Unfortunately, these rays only give birth every couple years making it difficult for the population to easily recover. The United States listed giant manta rays as threatened in 2018 to protect them as they migrate through our waters.
Marine sanctuaries like the Flower Garden Banks not only protect fragile coral reefs and other resident aquatic life, but also provide a safe area for visiting manta rays and other marine species like whale sharks, sea turtles, and hammerhead sharks. It is also one of the few known nurseries for juvenile manta rays, helping scientists gain a better understanding of their life stages.
Show your support for marine sanctuaries today!
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary was established in 1992 to protect the northernmost coral reefs in the United States. Expanding the sanctuary would be a fitting way to recognize and celebrate World Oceans Month this June.
The currently proposed expansion would protect fourteen additional marine areas from destructive activities like oil and gas, certain commercial fishing tactics, and more.
Help protect the only known manta ray nursery in the Gulf of Mexico by letting decision-makers know you support this first step towards expanding the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary!
