Hi!  I'm Brynn.  I'm a NYC student and a Girl Scout.  Many people don't know about the Hudson Canyon, but I aim to change that.  (You can watch my video to learn more about the Hudson Canyon.)

The Hudson Canyon is a large, biodiverse underwater canyon off the coast of NYC that deserves permanent protection from offshore oil, gas, and mineral exploration and development.

Some people may not be aware of the importance of Hudson Canyon and the role it plays in our lives.  

Do you care about marine conservation?  Hundreds of species rely on Hudson Canyon for different parts of their life cycle.  The Hudson Canyon is also home to many endangered species.  

Do you like calamari? The largest commercial fishery in New York by weight is the squid fishery, and squid are caught at the edge of the canyon.  There are other economically important recreational and commercial fisheries in Hudson Canyon.   

Did you know that you rely on Hudson Canyon each day?  New Yorkers and New Jerseyans rely on deep sea cables located around the Hudson Canyon to connect to the internet. 

Even if you don't live in New York or New Jersey, you are likely impacted by the Hudson Canyon and would benefit from its protection.  If species are no longer able to live in the Hudson Canyon, the surrounding ecological communities would be affected, too.

In 2016, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) determined that the Hudson Canyon is worthy of consideration as a National Marine Sanctuary, but has yet to designate the Hudson Canyon.  Let's protect the Hudson Canyon for future generations by designating it as a National Marine Sanctuary.

The Hudson Canyon’s National Marine Sanctuary designation could help to permanently protect the Hudson Canyon from offshore oil, gas, and mineral exploration and development.  It would also increase federal investment in STEM education and engagement.  All aspects of National Marine Sanctuaries involve significant stakeholder input, from the initial nomination to the designation process through its management after a sanctuary has been established.  This active and ongoing engagement provides multiple opportunities to educate students and encourage participation in the decision-making process.  

Please join me in supporting the designation of the Hudson Canyon as a National Marine Sanctuary by signing my petition.  I will submit it to the NOAA Sanctuary Program.

Petition Statement: 

Dear NOAA Administrator:  The undersigned write to express support for the nomination of a new National Marine Sanctuary to protect Hudson Canyon in the New York Bight and urge you to initiate the public-facing, stakeholder-driven designation process promptly.