Tell NOAA to Protect Oculina Bank from Shrimp Trawling–by June 28

From PennEnvironment (http://www.pennenvironment.org):

An expansive, deep-sea coral reef is under threat.

Oculina Bank, located off the central-east coast of Florida, contains coral reefs ranging from 200 to 350 feet deep. These reefs support diverse communities of finfish and invertebrates and are essential habitat for many species of fish.¹

This is a truly special place and deserves to be protected for current and future generations of wildlife and people. That’s why we’re calling on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to not open the bank to shrimp trawling. Will you join us?

Add your name at https://pennenvironment.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=50353 to tell NOAA to protect Oculina Bank from shrimp trawling.

Shrimp trawling will cause lasting damage to Oculina Bank. If opened, shrimp trawlers will drag nets along the seafloor, causing sediment plumes that smother nearby coral reefs.²

Additionally, weights on the bottom of trawling nets can penetrate nearly six inches into the ocean floor. This can harm water quality and increase pollution.³

We have an opportunity to ensure this never happens, and we need your help, Sandy.

NOAA is currently accepting public comment on the possibility of allowing shrimp trawling in Oculina Bank, and it is obligated to review and consider all input. By adding your name to our petition, you’ll help build the necessary support to protect this special place.

NOAA is only accepting public comment through June 28. Submit yours today.

1. Chip Collier, “The Oculina Bank: A History of Research and Protection,” NOAA Ocean Exploration, last accessed May 24, 2022.
2. Max Chesnes, “Would Florida rock shrimp trawlers damage protected Oculina Bank coral reef?,” Treasure Coast Newspapers, June 15, 2021.
3. Erik Stoksad, “Fishing trawlers could harm water quality by disrupting seafloor microbes,” Science, March 3, 2020.