To Conserve the Ocean, Start With the People Who Live There

The U.S. Pacific territories will be key to protecting the ocean.

Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice, Asia-Pacific, Conservation, Ocean, Tribal and Indigenous Issues +2 More

Media Contact

Sam Hananel

Senior Director, Media Relations

[email protected]

Government Affairs

Doug Molof

Director, Government Affairs

[email protected]

One of the main ways that the United States preserves its oceans is through the designation of marine protected areas (MPAs). MPAs have been a huge part of the Biden administration’s “America the Beautiful” initiative and its accompanying 30×30 goal. However, in a very unequal distribution of protection, 96 percent of U.S. MPAs are in the Western Central Pacific Ocean. Additionally, although many of these protected waters are in the U.S. Pacific territories, the American citizens living there have not been given the resources—nor been brought in in equal partnership to manage—these places.

The positions of American Progress, and our policy experts, are independent, and the findings and conclusions presented are those of American Progress alone. American Progress would like to acknowledge the many generous supporters who make our work possible.

Authors

Angelo Villagomez

Senior Fellow

Margaret Cooney

Senior Campaign Manager of Storytelling, Energy and Environment Campaigns

Producers

Ala Al Sadi

Former Video Producer

Madalyn Reagan

Video Intern

Hai-Lam Phan

Managing Director, Creative

Team

Conservation Policy

We work to protect our lands, ocean, and wildlife; tackle climate change and nature loss; connect people to the benefits of nature; and ensure America\'s lands and waters support resilient, just, and inclusive economies.