(17:52) WASHINGTON- Yesterday (Fri), Representatives Sam Farr (D-Calif.) and Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) introduced the California Seamounts and Ridges National Marine Conservation Area Designation and Management Act (H.R. 5797) to protect seamounts, ridges and banks in federal waters off the California coastline. Federal waters off California’s coastline are home to an exceptional array of seamounts, ridges and banks that host diverse and rare wildlife and habitat. There are also extraordinary geological features, including undersea islands and extinct volcanoes. Currently, less than one percent of all federal waters are protected. All recreational fishing, including commercially licensed charter boat fishing, and commercial Albacore fishing will continue to be allowed in the protected areas.
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