Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound

Nantucket soundnantucket Sound includes 163 square nautical miles of water and seabed between cape cod, vineyard Sound, and the islands of martha's vineyard and Nantucket, extending seaward beyond monomoy and Nantucket islands. Nantucket Sound possesses significant marine habitat for a diversity of ecologically and economically important species. The Sound is significant for several federally protected species of wildlife and a variety of commercially and recreationally valuable fisheries.the Sound is situated at a confluence of the cold labrador currents and the warm gulf stream. This creates a unique coastal habitat, representing the southern range for northern atlantic species and the northern range for mid-atlantic species. Nantucket Sound is characterized by an extreme richness of biological diversity, containing habitats that range from open sea To salt marshes. Nantucket Sound is more than a body of water. It is a source of livelihood for many local fishermen, an inspiration for artists, and a source of solace, relaxation, and recreation for the millions that flock To its shores. The Sound is the economic engine of the cape and islands. The local ferry operators alone transport over three million passengers per year through Nantucket Sound, and 400,000 flights per year traverse the airspace over the Sound. The Sound is an important and significant natural treasure that must be preserved and protected.nantucket Sound is unique for many reasons:* the Sound is one of only two areas in the country where federal waters are surrounded by state waters and is the only location where these state waters are designated as a sanctuary under state law. * the Sound is the only ocean-based traditional cultural property and was recognized as such for its significance To the area's wampanoag tribes. * the Sound is bordered by onshore national historic landmarks, including the kennedy compound on cape cod, wesleyan grove and the flying horses carousel on martha's vineyard, and the entire island of Nantucket. * no other ocean area suitable for offshore wind development shares the Sound's unique geography and complex historic, tribal, environmental, and economic attributes. The extraordinary public interest values of the Sound are clearly worthy of national recognition and protection.nantucket Sound has long been under consideration for protected status. * in 1971, Nantucket Sound state waters, out To three miles from the shorelines of cape cod, martha's vineyard, and Nantucket, were designated as the Massachusetts cape and islands ocean sanctuary under state law. However, the federal waters in the center of the Sound remained unprotected. * in 1980, the commonwealth of Massachusetts nominated the Sound for designation under the national marine sanctuaries act. * in 1983, the federal resource evaluation committee, appointed by the national oceanic and atmospheric administration's (noaa's) sanctuary program, determined Nantucket Sound was worthy of designation. The Sound was listed on the site evaluation list in the federal register as one of 28 areas "from which noaa will select sites To evaluate as candidates for national marine sanctuaries. "* in january 2010, the national park service recognized the unique historic and tribal values of the Sound and determined that it was eligible for listing in the national register of historic places as a traditional cultural property. Alliance 2022 activitieslegislative action* the Alliance developed federal legislation - the Nantucket Sound national historic landmark act - To accomplish three important goals. O first, the bill will formally recognize the Sound's rich maritime and tribal history. It will impart the highest level of historic protection possible by designating the Sound as a national historic landmark, the same designation enjoyed today by the island of Nantucket, the kennedy compound in hyannis port, and wesleyan grove on martha's vineyard.o second, the bill will prohibit federal approval of development inconsistent with existing safeguards under state law. While the waters which extend three miles from the shorelines of cape cod, martha's vineyard, and Nantucket are protected by the commonwealth of Massachusetts, the waters in the center of the Sound are under federal jurisdiction and open To development. Enactment of the Nantucket Sound national historic landmark act will provide long-term protection for the entirety of Nantucket sound.o finally, the bill will preserve the Sound by addressing threats To water quality, coastal erosion, and habitat degradation. The proposed legislation requires a formal evaluation of potential climate impacts as well as recommendations To improve Nantucket Sound's health and resilience To these impacts.administrative action* we are seeking nhl designation through the u.s. department of the interior To leverage the administration's focus on preserving sacred tribal lands and interior's 2010 determination of eligibility for listing the Sound on the national register of historic places as a traditional cultural place. Advocacy* the Alliance met with and had discussions with elected officials and other stakeholders To encourage support for the federal legislation and administrative action. We reached out To local, state, and national organizations To sign-on To a letter in support of protecting Nantucket Sound. We built a strong coalition of 80 stakeholder groups , including municipal and tribal governments, historic preservation groups, commercial fishermen, environmental groups, businesses, shipping and maritime transportation entities, offshore wind developers, and others. * the national congress of american indians (ncai) passed a resolution To support the "permanent protection of Nantucket Sound as part of its efforts To Protect and preserve sacred sites of importance To tribal nations." Ncai supports the "permanent protection of Nantucket Sound as part of its efforts To Protect and preserve sacred sites of importance To tribal nations". Grassroots and education* the Alliance conducted quarterly direct mail campaigns and frequent email updates for education and contributions. * we provided interviews To media and responded To student and other inquiries. * the Alliance ran a community education program - "a celebration of Nantucket Sound or acons - To promote awareness of Nantucket Sound, support our preservation effort, and encourage continued environmental stewardship. Acons is a free monthly webinar series which connects content experts with community members To celebrate Nantucket Sound's history, environment, economic importance, and cultural significance. Each webinar presents viewers with the opportunity To learn about the values that make this national treasure worthy of protection. * the Alliance launched the "Nantucket Sound ambassadors" program To mobilize local high school students To spread awareness and advocate for permanent protection for Nantucket Sound. Mashpee high school launched this program in the spring with a Nantucket Sound beach clean-up competition. We continue To meet with and reach out To other local schools To expand the program.development* the Alliance updated supporters on a regular basis with letters, newsletters, phone calls, emails, personal meetings, and quarterly direct mail campaigns. * the Alliance hosted fundraising events on cape cod in the summer.