Katko: Lake Ontario Nomination For National Marine Sanctuary Accepted By NOAA

by Steve Yablonski | March 21, 2017 8:02 pm

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. John Katko today (March 21) applauded action taken by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to move forward the Great Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary.

NOAA today announced that it had reviewed the southeastern Lake Ontario nomination and accepted it into the inventory of areas that could be considered for designation as a national marine sanctuary in the future.

“This is a critical step forward for our local leaders, advocates, and members of the community who have worked tirelessly to raise awareness for this project,” said Katko. “This designation has the potential to grow tourism and boost our local economy while preserving some of our region’s most historic and unique natural resources. As one of only a few accepted sanctuaries nationwide, I urge the Administration to swiftly take action to ensure that this nomination receives proper consideration.”

National marine sanctuaries are designated by the federal government and administered by NOAA.

These underwater sanctuaries are designated for research, education, and protection.

Earlier this year, the application for status for the southeastern Lake Ontario region was submitted by representatives from Oswego, Cayuga, Wayne, and Jefferson counties and the city of Oswego.

Katko  represents the 24th Congressional District, which includes all of Onondaga, Cayuga, and Wayne counties and the western portion of Oswego County.

For more information, please visit https://katko.house.gov or www.facebook.com/RepJohnKatko.

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/news/oswego/katko-lake-ontario-nomination-for-national-marine-sanctuary-accepted-by-noaa/

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