Comment from Neysa King

Re: Amendments to National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Regarding Low Over-flights In Designated Zones Dear Ms. Malek: I am writing on behalf of the other organizations of the Tomales Bay Watershed Council. We are submitting these comments regarding the proposed Amendments to National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Regarding Low Over-flights in Designated Zones (RIN 0648-AX79). With regard to the proposals for the regulations for the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, I urge that Tomales Bay be added to the list of the protected areas. Tomales Bay is not listed as a protected area in the current regulations, nor is it protected as an Area of Special Biological Significance. Tomales Bay is a critical estuary in Northern California, providing significant and recognized habitats for marine and terrestrial species alike. Protections have been created for wintering and breeding areas for tens of thousands of birds – some endangered -- and for a large colony of harbor seals with several haul-out areas. But, aircraft increasingly are disturbing these populations. In addition to low-flying sightseeing flights, there are helicopter landings on the beaches and even sea-planes occasionally landing in the Bay. These cause flushing and other serious disturbances of these animals. There is absolutely no reason that these unnecessary flights and disturbances should be permitted to continue. The Tomales Bay Watershed Council is a stakeholder group of 30 individuals representing homeowners, agriculture, mariculture, the scientific community, conservation groups, and state, federal and local agencies with the common cause of maintaining the health of Tomales Bay and its watershed. For more information please see www.tomalesbaywatershed.org . We would like to thank you for the opportunity to submit public comment on the National Marine Sanctuary Programs. Please call or contact me if you have any questions. Sincerely, Neysa King