Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Congressional Research Service
Official summary
Version 36 · Passed House amended · Sep 4, 1996
National Marine Sanctuaries Preservation Act - Amends the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to authorize appropriations to carry out the Act. (Sec. 4) Mandates a long-range, comprehensive plan for the management, stabilization, preservation, and recovery of artifacts and materials of the U.S. Ship Monitor using, to the extent feasible, the resources of Federal and private entities with expertise and capabilities that are helpful. (Sec. 5) Modifies national marine sanctuary advisory committee meeting notice requirements. (Sec. 6) Authorizes adoption of a symbol for the national marine sanctuary program (NMSP) or any individual sanctuary and the related designation of official sponsors, the selling of products to promote the NMSP, and the collection of monetary or in-kind contributions for symbol use. Requires contributions raised through the sale or use of symbols or products related to a specific sanctuary to be used to support that sanctuary. (Sec. 7) Amends the Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary Act to modify requirements regarding: (1) the inclusion in the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary of the marine environment near Kahoolawe Island; and (2) the effect of an objection by the Governor of Hawaii. Prohibits any user fee applicable to the Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary. (Sec. 8) Amends, notwithstanding specified provisions of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the boundaries of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary to include a described area popularly known as Stetson Bank. (Sec. 10) Mandates various actions regarding a sanctuary in the Northwest Straits of the State of Washington, including: (1) requiring the establishment of the Northwest Straits Marine Resources Protection Advisory Committee; and (2) concerning an environmental impact statement. Prohibits a designation of an area in the Northwest Straits as a national marine sanctuary from taking effect unless the designation is specifically authorized by a law enacted after a specified date. (Sec. 11) Designates the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary as the Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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