Washington, D.C. — President Barack Obama signed an official proclamation expanding the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument that adds nearly half a million miles of ocean space to the existing monument. Center for American Progress Distinguished Senior Fellow Carol M. Browner issued the following statement:
Today’s announcement adds a signature conservation victory to the president’s already substantial environmental legacy. Setting nearly half a million square miles off limits to industrial activity will ensure protection of marine resources for generations to come.
Center for American Progress Director of Ocean Policy Michael Conathan added the following statement:
This is a Yosemite moment. Like previous efforts that protected habitat for land animals threatened by human activities and development, we now have a sanctuary that will allow threatened populations of whales, sharks, sea turtles, and corals a chance to recover and thrive. President Obama and his administration deserve endless thanks for this action from anyone who has ever cared about the world’s oceans.
Originally designated under the George W. Bush administration in 2009, the monument expands the boundaries of protection of the waters surrounding Wake Island, Jarvis Island, and the Johnston Atoll to the fullest extent of U.S. jurisdiction.
For more information, please contact Tom Caiazza at 202.481.7141 or [email protected].