Comment from Erika Washburn

I am absolutely in favor of moving forward with expansion of the Sanctuary's boundaries. This Sanctuary has provided great benefits to people in the region through its successful research, management, education and public awareness efforts. It has reconnected people to their heritage and coastal maritime history. And it has created opportunities for new business ventures like the glass bottom boat and kayak tours of shipwrecks in the area. I have prior experience with submerged cultural resource management communities and other interested stakeholders, and believe that an expanded Sanctuary would greatly benefit many groups. As successful as the Sanctuary has been within it's current boundaries, there remains a need to continue to build bioregional awareness, appreciation and understanding of maritime and coastal heritage and history. I am in favor of the Sanctuary's expansion and hope that additional resources will be dedicated to support these efforts.