IN A MOVE THAT WOULD CLOSE 2 LARGE AREAS OFF TO OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION, AND RESTRICT THE MOVEMENT OF CARGO SHIPS, AIRCRAFT, AND JET SKIS, FEDERAL OFFICIALS ARE PROPOSING TO MORE THAN DOUBLE THE SIZE OF 2 MARINE SANCTUARIES (ALONG THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COASTLINE). THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION WANTS TO EXPAND THE BOUNDARIES OF THE SANCTUARY IN THE GULF OF THE FARALLONES, AS WELL AS THE CORDELL BANK NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY. OFFICIALS WITH N-O-A-A SAY THE EXPANSIONS ARE NEEDED TO PROPERLY PROTECT WHALES, SHARKS, SALMON AND SEABIRDS THAT FEED IN THOSE REGIONS ALONG THE SONOMA AND MENDOCINO COUNTY COASTLINE.
