Designate a Cashes Ledge National Marine Sanctuary

Surfrider Foundation is advocating for the establishment of a National Marine Sanctuary in the Gulf of Maine. Located 90 miles off New England’s coast, Cashes Ledge is an extraordinary undersea mountain range and one of the most unique ecological structures in U.S. ocean waters.

The Proposed Sanctuary will conserve and protect the extensive marine habits of Cashes Ledge, celebrate the region’s rich natural heritage, create a refuge for vulnerable marine life, provide opportunities for research to enhance understanding of climate change impacts in the Gulf of Maine, and build climate resilience in the region. 

In July 2024, our Northeast Chapter Network signed onto a coalition letter drafted by the Conservation Law Foundation to show its support in protecting this area and urged NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries to consider Cashes Ledge for a National Marine Sanctuary Designation. Our Northeast Chapters also shared information about the sanctuary nomination on their social media channels. Additionally, our Northeast Regional Manager drafted a letter of support to be sent to NOAA along with letters from numerous coalition partners. Lastly, in December 2023, the Northeast Chapter Network signed onto a letter drafted by Environment Massachusetts to show support for Cashes Ledge.

Surfrider is proud to support the CLF's nomination to designate a new national marine sanctuary that will Cashes Ledge in the Gulf of Maine. We look forward to supporting a successful sanctuary designation process through public outreach, advocacy and policy recommendations.