To: Governor Charlie Baker
Support Legislation to Restore Monomoy's Historic Boundary
As members and friends of the commercial and recreational fishing community, we urge you to support H.R. 1157, legislation introduced by Congressman Keating to restore the western boundary of the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. For hundreds of years the Commonwealth and Town have successfully managed Nantucket Sound, including the waters west of Monomoy Island, an extremely important fishing area. In 2016, the US Fish and Wildlife Service made an illegal ownership claim to this 4,000 acre area, included it in the Refuge and now exercise total control over fishing and other activities. H.R. 1157 will restore the historic (1944) western boundary to the low mean water line on Monomoy Island. Please do everything you can to make sure Congress approves H.R. 1157.
Why is this important?
To restore the historic rights of the Town of Chatham and Commonwealth of Massachusetts to sustainably manage the submerged lands, open waters, and fishery resources contained therein for the public benefit.