NYS DOS applauds NOAA’s proposed National Marine Sanctuary for Hudson Canyon

The New York State Department of State (NYS DOS) has applauded the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s recent announcement to create a new National Marine Sanctuary (Sanctuary).

This was contained in a statement signed on Thursday June 16, 2022.

According to the statement, the initiative is aimed at initiating a multi-year designation process to permanently protect the largest submarine canyon along the U.S. Atlantic coast, the Hudson Canyon.

Located approximately 100 miles offshore of New York City, the deep-sea Hudson Canyon provides important habitat for diverse marine species and supports a number of recreational activities and ocean-industries important to the State.

The Hudson Canyon is the largest submerged canyon off the U.S. East Coast and is one of the largest underwater canyons in the world.

The State looks forward to working with NOAA and our partners throughout the designation process to protect this critical area while continuing to provide opportunities for ongoing commercial fishing, marine transportation, and offshore wind development activities.

In particular, New York’s nation-leading offshore wind goals are seen as compatible with the protection of the canyon’s unique features by combining a collaborative Sanctuary management plan with responsible offshore wind siting and development decisions.

New York’s Offshore Wind Master Plan recognized the most sensitive features of the canyon when identifying potential lease areas.

Through the designation process, the State is committed to working with NOAA, offshore wind developers and other ocean stakeholders to ensure that the canyon becomes a prominent symbol of the State’s commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable future and a model for successful ecological stewardship.

“The New York State Department of State applauds NOAA in shining a national spotlight on the unique habitats of the Hudson Canyon.

“For over a decade, the Department of State has collaborated with NOAA, the Mid-Atlantic States, stakeholders and partners throughout the region to promote research and greater awareness of submarine canyons in the Mid-Atlantic,” New York State Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez said.

“Our work highlights the critical roles submarine canyons play in sustaining healthy, diverse ocean and coastal habitats amid the systemic threats of climate change.

“We want to ensure a robust public process that considers the ecological value of this area, its importance to commercial fishing industries, and how best to harmonize New York State’s conservation and clean energy activities. The Hudson Canyon is a special place to share, explore, and treasure,” he added.