The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is located in the northern Gulf of Mexico, approximately 115 miles from the Texas & Louisiana coast, and an expansion proposal is currently being considered. Here is a short video overview of the important biodiversity of this unique marine sanctuary and the proposed expansion:

 

 

The sanctuary will host three virtual public meetings for the public to learn more about the proposal and submit comments. The dates for these public meetings are:

NOAA has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to expand Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. The proposal would expand the sanctuary from the current 56 square miles to 160 square miles to protect additional critical habitat in the Gulf of Mexico. The proposed rule for expansion would add 14 additional reefs and banks to the sanctuary. NOAA is inviting the public to provide input on any aspect of the notice of proposed rulemaking during a public comment period ending on July 3, 2020. The sanctuary will host the three virtual public meetings listed here so that people can learn more about the proposal and submit comments. Additional information on the proposed rule and how to make comments is available on the expansion website. 

 

Link to the official public comment form:
https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=NOAA-NOS-2019-0033