NOAA today announced the designation of a new ~18 sq. mile national marine sanctuary in Maryland state waters ~40 miles south of Washington, DC effective after 45 days of continuous congressional session.
Nominated by the State of Maryland in 2014 to protect and conserve shipwrecks and cultural heritage resources, foster education and research partnerships, and increase opportunities for public access, tourism and economic development, the Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary is the first sanctuary designation since 2000.
NOAA, the State of Maryland, and Charles County will jointly manage the sanctuary, with federal management actions primarily focused on protecting the Ghost Fleet and related maritime heritage resources and natural resource management residing with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Potomac River Fisheries Commission.
Acting NOAA Admin. Neil Jacobs called the designation “an exciting milestone for NOAA and an opportunity for the public to celebrate and help protect this piece of our nation’s rich maritime history.” He added that the agency “look[s] forward to working with the state of Maryland, Charles County and other local partners to foster education and research partnerships as well as support and enhance local recreation and tourism along this historic stretch of the Potomac River.”
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said that “[p]reserving our history, heritage, and natural resources have always been a priority for our administration and designating this national treasure as a marine sanctuary is yet another example of our stewardship; and will ensure that people from both Maryland and beyond will have the opportunity to experience this amazing site for years to come.”
