NOAA is proposing to expand the boundaries of Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (GFNMS) and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary (CBNMS) to an area north and west of their current boundaries, as well as to amend existing sanctuary regulations and add new regulations. NOAA is also proposing to revise the corresponding sanctuary terms of designation and management plans. The purpose of this action is to extend sanctuary protections to an area that has nationally significant marine resources and habitats and is the source of nutrient-rich upwelled waters for the existing sanctuaries.

NOAA is proposing to expand the boundaries of Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (GFNMS) and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary (CBNMS) to an area north and west of their current boundaries, as well as to amend existing sanctuary regulations and add new regulations. NOAA is also proposing to revise the corresponding sanctuary terms of designation and management plans. The purpose of this action is to extend sanctuary protections to an area that has nationally significant marine resources and habitats and is the source of nutrient-rich upwelled waters for the existing sanctuaries.

"The purpose of this action, expansion of CBNMS and GFNMS to an area north and west of their current boundaries, is to extend national marine sanctuary protection to an area that has significant marine resources and habitats and is the source of nutrient-rich upwelled waters for the existing marine sanctuaries. This proposed expansion, which is based on research by NOAA and its scientific partners, would encompass a globally significant coastal upwelling center originating off Point Arena and flowing into GFNMS and CBNMS via wind driven currents. The proposed action would also carry over existing regulations into the expansion area, amend current regulations for GFNMS and CBNMS, and add new regulations. These regulatory changes would provide for comprehensive management and protection of the resources of the area encompassed by the current sanctuaries and the proposed expansion area"--Executive summary (ES-2).