Atlantic Puffin. Photo: Francine Rattner/Audubon Photography Awards

WASHINGTON (Dec. 30, 2019) – The following statement was issued by Dr. Karen Hyun, Vice President for Coastal Conservation at the National Audubon Society, in response to a federal appeals court decision to uphold the designation of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument off the New England coast:

“Seabirds like Atlantic Puffins visit the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument every winter to stock up on food," said Dr. Karen Hyun, Vice President of Coastal Conservation at the National Audubon Society.

“We’re pleased to see this decision upheld, for the protection of seabirds and other marine life who rely on this special place. The protection of this marine national monument is especially important given the challenges that climate change brings, including the shifts in fisheries that require seabirds to work harder to find their prey.”

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Background information:

The commercial fishing industry groups challenged President Obama’s authority to designate the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument off the coast of New England under the Antiquities Act. The district court dismissed their claims, and Friday’s decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit affirms that ruling.

Earlier this year, Audubon filed an friend-of-the-court brief to protect the monument against the legal challenge by commercial fishing interests.

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @audubonsociety.

Contact: Rachel Guillory, rachel.guillory@audubon.org, 504.708.5873