Protect Oculina Bank from destruction

Docket ID #: NOAA-NMFS-2021-0126

With its stunning biodiversity and fragile coral reefs, Oculina Bank must be protected. Opening the area up to rock shrimp trawling would be devastating to the local ecosystem.

Fishing activity nearly destroyed Oculina Bank in the 1970s and '80s before protections were established, and the coral is still recovering today. We cannot afford to open it up to shrimp trawling and lose this area for good.

We urge you not to establish fishery access within the Oculina Bank Habitat Area of Particular Concern.