Flower Garden Banks to be expanded in the Gulf of Mexico
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Hawksbill turtle is one of two turtle species that calls Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary home during part of its life.G.P. Schmahl/Courtesy NOAAShow MoreShow Less
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Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary has been identified as a nursery area for manta rays. It is one of the very few places identified worldwide. (Marissa Nuttall/Courtesy NOAA) Show MoreShow Less
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Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is getting expanded to protect more reefs and banks in the Gulf of Mexico.
In the final rule issued Tuesday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the marine sanctuary will be expanded to 160 square miles, up from 56 square miles, and will protect 14 additional reefs and banks.
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Triples In Size Tuesday, January 19, 2021
National conservation groups and aquarium partners celebrated the expansion of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, announced Tuesday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The expansion increases protections within the Gulf of Mexico’s only national marine sanctuary from 56 square miles to 160 square miles and includes 14 critical reefs and banks.
Many people in the Chattanooga area may not know the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary by name, but they have seen a living model of it. The Tennessee Aquarium’s Secret Reef exhibit replicates the protected habitat that is located in the Gulf of Mexico.