Key Facts
- Announcement date
- May 18, 2023
- Proposed area
- Approximately 740 square miles
- Location
- Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie
- Agency
- NOAA
- Public comment period
- Closes August 18, 2023
Background
The Biden-Harris Administration, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is considering designating a national marine sanctuary in Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie. The proposal was announced on May 18, 2023, and is part of a broader effort to conserve and manage significant marine areas.
National marine sanctuaries are federally protected waters that aim to preserve ecological, historical, and recreational resources. If designated, the Lake Erie site would be the first sanctuary in the Great Lakes region since 2000, when NOAA designated the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Lake Huron.
The proposed sanctuary would cover approximately 740 square miles of Lake Erie, stretching from the Pennsylvania-Ohio border to the New York state line. The area is known for its rich maritime history, including numerous shipwrecks that date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Current Situation
NOAA has initiated a public comment period to gather input on the proposal. The agency will hold a series of public meetings in Pennsylvania and online to hear from stakeholders, including local communities, tribal nations, commercial and recreational fishermen, and environmental groups.
The designation process involves a detailed review of the area’s resources and potential impacts. NOAA will assess the ecological, historical, and economic significance of the site, as well as the potential effects on existing uses such as shipping, fishing, and recreation.
The proposal has received support from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and other state officials, who see the sanctuary as a way to protect the lake’s heritage and boost tourism. However, some local residents and industry groups have expressed concerns about potential restrictions on fishing and other activities.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Area | 740 square miles |
| Location | Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie |
| Announcement | May 18, 2023 |
| Comment deadline | August 18, 2023 |
Impacts
If designated, the sanctuary could provide increased protection for shipwrecks and other underwater cultural resources, potentially enhancing scientific research and educational opportunities. It could also attract tourists interested in diving and maritime history, benefiting local economies.
The sanctuary may impose new regulations on activities within its boundaries, such as anchoring, dredging, or fishing, which could affect commercial and recreational users. However, NOAA has indicated that existing uses would be allowed to continue if they are compatible with sanctuary goals.
The designation could also foster collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies, as well as tribal nations, in managing the lake’s resources. This could lead to improved water quality and habitat conservation, benefiting the broader Lake Erie ecosystem.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
The public comment period will close on August 18, 2023. After reviewing comments, NOAA will decide whether to proceed with the designation. If the agency moves forward, it would publish a draft environmental impact statement and a proposed rule, which would be subject to further public review.
If the sanctuary is designated, it could become a model for other Great Lakes states considering similar protections. However, if the proposal faces significant opposition or if NOAA determines that the area does not meet the criteria, the designation may not occur.
The final decision is expected within the next few years. The outcome will depend on the level of public support, the results of environmental reviews, and the ability to address concerns raised by stakeholders. If successful, the sanctuary would be the first in Pennsylvania and the 16th in the National Marine Sanctuary System.
Source: NOAA National Ocean Service
