Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that specifies and designates an ancient cypress forest in the Gulf of Mexico as the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972.

Highlights:

• Specifies and designates an ancient cypress forest in the Gulf of Mexico as the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (Sec. 2-8)

• Prohibits the following activities within the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary, including (Sec. 2-8):

• Cutting, removing, or any kind of subsurface salvage of the cypress trees;

• Lowering certain devices (e.g., dredging) below the surface of the water;

• Detonating explosives below the surface of the water;

• Drilling or coring the seabed; and

• Lowering, laying, positioning, or raising any type of seabed cable or cable-laying device.

• Specifies that the prohibitions do not apply to the following, including (Sec. 2-8):

• Fishing, diving, mooring, or similar recreational or commercial activities; necessary operations of public vessels;

• Construction or placement of artificial reef structures for the purpose of enhancing fishery resources, fishing opportunities, or recreational diving opportunities;

• Exploration, development, or production of oil or gas projects authorized before this bill's enactment; and

• Certain other activities authorized by the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.

• Requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop a comprehensive management plan for the sanctuary and that the NOAA also establish an advisory council for the sanctuary (Sec. 2-8).

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text