April 5, 2023 — This Thursday, after the North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s first day, a public roundtable discussion on two nominations for National Marine Sanctuaries in Alaska will take place from 5:30-7:30, Alaska time. Hosted by NOAA Fisheries, the discussion will cover the recently nominated St. George Unangan Heritage from St. George Island and Alagum Kanuux (Heart of the Ocean) from St. Paul Island, the two largest of the Pribilof Island group.
During this roundtable, NOAA will share information about the process for nominating and designating national marine sanctuaries and for attendees to share their perspectives and ask questions regarding the process and NOAA’s inventory of successful nominations.
Addition to the inventory does not guarantee that a nominated area will become a national marine sanctuary. National marine sanctuary designation is a separate public process that by law, is highly public and participatory, and often takes several years to complete.