Habitat is where it is at. And, Robin Just correctly points out “it is equally important to consider the ecosystem on a larger scale, with all its moving parts, dependent on each other for survival. When do the plankton bloom, and where? Where are the currents taking the food?”.

I’d protect all high ground areas like Platts, Jefferies, Fippinies, and even the entire
50 fathom line from Maine to Se of Chatham Ma.. My unique perspective from my aircraft (400 flight hours per year) reinforces the importance of the ecosystem along the entire New England coast and how important the tide is moving across ledges and banks to produce up welling’s that introduce cold nutrient rich water from the bottom to the surface.

Instead, we are stuck with a sanctuary status of Stellwagen and have ignored many other important geographical areas that contribute to the ecosystem along our coast.

If I had my way, I’d remove the Stellwagen bank from sanctuary status and pass a singular congressional law that protects all banks and ledges deemed important to the New England coastal ecosystem from threats like drilling ,excavation, wind farms, etc..

I watch the pulse of all of these special areas (they truly have a pulse) as they pump life into ocean for all living creatures to survive on.

I realize that Robin’s article is more toward addressing the opening of previously closed fishing areas and my thoughts are more in line with protecting many more areas at less cost than managing a singular sanctuary.

PS
I belong to a commercial ground fish sector that does not support opening previously closed areas for fishing.

Ralph Pratt