California Seamounts and Ridges National Marine Conservation Area Designation and Management Act
Summary
California Seamounts and Ridges National Marine Conservation Area Designation and Management Act
This bill establishes the California Seamounts and Ridges National Marine Conservation Area to protect certain seamounts, ridges, and banks located in federal waters off the coast of California.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of the Interior shall have joint responsibility for managing the conservation area. Development of a management plan must include a public consultation process with tribes, fisherman, and other stakeholders to better understand the activities occurring in the conservation area.
Additionally, any management plan developed by NOAA and Interior must prohibit oil and gas development, deep sea-mining, aquaculture, and damaging fishing practices in the area. Certain activities including recreational fishing and exercises by the Armed Forces are allowed to be conducted in the area.
