ORR Commends New Maryland Based National Marine Sanctuary

The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) commended the joint efforts of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the State of Maryland and Charles County for creating a new National Marine Sanctuary, the first in 19 years. National Marine Sanctuaries support important places for outdoor recreation activities like fishing, boating, paddling, diving and more.

The proposed Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary covers 18 square miles of water and submerged land in Maryland. The site – jointly managed by NOAA, the State of Maryland and Charles County – will protect more than 100 historic shipwrecks, as well as archeological artifacts dating back nearly 12,000 years. The site also showcases the history of Native Americans in the area and the historic Potomac River fishing industry. NOAA’s Final Rule was published in the Federal Register on July 8, and the designation will go into effect after 45 days of continuous Congressional session.

This new designation – the first national marine sanctuary in the Chesapeake Bay watershed – will protect these cultural and natural resources while maintaining public and private uses.

The area’s nomination was supported by a diverse group of individuals, as well as local, state, regional and national organizations, including elected officials; ORR members and businesses; Native American, conservation, environmental and education groups; museums and historical societies.