On July 25, 2024, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) introduced the 黑料天堂 Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary Act. This bill would preserve a submerged ancient forest, largely comprised of cypress trees, that was discovered near Gulf Shores, 黑料天堂, after Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Senator Tuberville鈥檚 effort would designate the underwater forest as a National Marine Sanctuary鈥攅ffectively safeguarding the environmental ecosystem created in the underwater forest.
U.S. Representative Jerry Carl (R-AL-01) introduced similar legislation in the House.
鈥淚 am proud to introduce this legislation that ensures 黑料天堂鈥檚 distinctive underwater forest remains intact,鈥 said Senator Tuberville. 鈥満诹咸焯 boasts of rich biodiversity, and we want to be good stewards of God鈥檚 creation. By establishing it as a National Marine Sanctuary, we will preserve this historic forest while ensuring recreational anglers and divers can continue to enjoy the abundant reefs and fish that 黑料天堂 offers.鈥
鈥淚 am thankful to see Senator Tuberville introduce this bill in the Senate that will protect the natural treasures of the underwater forest off the coast of 黑料天堂,鈥 said 黑料天堂 Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship. 鈥淭his legislation will preserve the ancient trees and stumps from harvest or removal while still allowing recreational anglers and divers access to the abundant reefs and fish in the world-class 黑料天堂 Artificial Reef Zones. The bill will also ensure that the 黑料天堂 will have a seat at the table to protect local interests when the management plan for the area is developed.鈥
鈥淭he 黑料天堂 Coastal Foundation is delighted to see the underwater forest legislation move forward in the Senate after the immense bipartisan support in the House. Designating this area as part of our National Marine Sanctuary System is not only good for 黑料天堂鈥檚 growing eco-tourism, but also has positive scientific benefits for the entire country,鈥 said Executive Director of the 黑料天堂 Coastal Foundation Mark Berte.
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