On January 09, 2026 a new bill HR 261 was introduced into the House aiming to amend the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA) and reduce restrictions on industrial activity.

This bill  is H.R. 261 introduced by Earl L "Buddy" Carter (R-GA), called the Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025 would weaken Sanctuaries restrictions and sets a serious precedence placing our treasured wildlife and habitat at risk.

The (Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025): Introduced in the 119th Congress, this bill seeks to amend the NMSA to prohibit the Secretary of Commerce from requiring additional permits (including special use permits) for the installation, repair, or maintenance of undersea fiber optic cables within national marine sanctuaries, provided they are already authorized by another federal or state agency. Critics argue this weakens the NMSA by reducing oversight of industrial activity in protected areas.

Proposals within "Project 2025" aim to freeze the designation of new national marine sanctuaries, examine existing sanctuaries for oil and mineral potential, and "harmonize" the NMSA with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to prioritize fishing interests.

On February 27, 2025 the Trump Administration laid off over 800 NOAA staff, including scientists and specialists charged with managing and caretaking of our marine wildlife and important habitat, including archeological, cultural and historical treasures. Cutting of the budget has laid off educators, scientists and managers, placing these areas and wildlife at increased risk. As a group that has worked with our National Marine Sanctuaries in education, science and establishment of new Sanctuaries, this loss of many of the staff we have worked with is devastating.

These legislative actions prioritize extractive industries energy, fishing and telecommunications over the America's National Marine Treasures and Wildlife.

We urge the Congress to support our National Marine Sanctuaries and NOAA Staff, and Vote No on HR 361, or any new oil extraction in our Coastal Waters that will affect our National Marine Sanctuaries and Coastal Ocean.

Find you Senator or Representative here, and write them today.