Take Action: Stellwagen Bank, Massachusetts

Sign ORI’s Letter Now Provide your comments to the Sanctuary's Superintendent Craig McDonald.

Boston Harbor Educators Conference participants on Stellwagen in October.

Background
The Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary has a marvelous diversity of marine life, including whales, sea turtles, fish, birds and cold-water coral. Located offshore from Boston, the Bank is under assault from multiple fronts: habitat damage from trawling and draggers, depletion of fish, ship collisions with whales, pollution, invasive species and climate change.

What We've Heard So Far
Here are twelve Comments on why Stellwagen Bank should be better managed and saved.

"I had the utter joy of whale watching on several occasions, leaving from Plymouth. This area MUST be preserved as a sanctuary for these wonderful animals. Once they have been forced out we can NEVER replace them."
Avril Lomas, Tryon, NC

"I love Stellwagen Bank. It holds some of my favorite memories. It needs to be protected for the animals and for public education of the Stellwagen Bank ecosystem and those similar to it."
Kathleen Teal, Media, PA

"My first whale was in Martha’s Vineyard. He looked up at me from a boat in Edgartown Harbor. He and all the others need to be protected."
Marya Kutler, Port Townsend, WA

"As a teacher who has used Voyage of the Mimi materials for many years, I know that Stellwagen Bank is a special place which needs to be protected."
Allen Royer, San Jose, CA

"As a Boston 'home girl' myself, I remember most the breathtaking excursions to the coast to watch the magnificent whale migrations. Don’t rob other children of this memorable experience!"
Rev. Charlotte Bear, San Jose, CA

"As the great granddaughter of a Boston Sea Captain, it is so important to protect the Seas for future generations."
Robin Ramp, Greer, SC

"As a commercial fisherman, I say do not harm the water and animals that live there. Protect the environment as much as possible. Without it the human species will die. This is coming from an expert."
Lucas Kolasa, Providence, RI

"I lived in Massachusetts and Maine for over 15 years and know the beauty and wonder of the ocean there. I travel back often to visit my grandchildren and I want to be able to introduce them to the marvels of the marine life. Please, let’s achieve a responsible and comprehensive management of this marvelous ocean bank. We need to insure the abundance of marine life, supported by diverse, healthy habitats in clean ocean waters."
Ronda Reynolds, Idaho Falls, Idaho

"I lived in Boston and on the Cape for 10 years. My heart will always be there, and if one place deserves protection, it’s MA’s coastal waters."
Kimberly Thomas, Gerrardstown, WV

"It is not just the survival of Stellwagen Bank which is at stake; it is the survival of our planet for the sake of our children, grandchildren and their children and grandchildren."
Al Brockway, Rapid City, SD

"Though I’m temporarily living abroad, I do hope to return to the USA one of these days, and when I get there I hope to find it in the same OR BETTER condition then when I left. Please help to keep it that way. Thank you."
Walt Welles, Isle of Skye, Scotland

"I may live in Kansas but I still care about the health of our oceans and marine life!"
Celia Daniels, Topeka, KS

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