Patty Murray: “I was concerned that the creation of a NOAA-controlled advisory committee would undermine the very intent of bringing…”

“I was concerned that the creation of a NOAA-controlled advisory committee would undermine the very intent of bringing local community members together to consider the resource protection needs of the Northwest Straits in an objective and open forum. Many members of the local communities have serious concerns about the performance of NOAA over the last several years with regard to the proposed sanctuary. To establish a new advisory committee under NOAA's control would only perpetuate those concerns. I think it is much better if such local commissions or committees develop on their own, independent from the NOAA process, much as the Marine Resources Committee in the San Juan Islands has done.”