Washington, D.C. – Center for American Progress Director of Ocean Policy Michael Conathan issued the following statement after the White House announced the designation of Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, the only marine national monument in the Atlantic Ocean and the only one in the waters of the continental United States.
Located 150 miles east-southeast of Cape Cod, the newly minted monument will encompass roughly 5,000 square miles of ocean, including three canyons deeper than the Grand Canyon, and four underwater mountains rising up to 7,000 feet off the sea floor, taller than any mountain east of the Mississippi. The area will provide permanent protection for more than 320 marine species, including endangered marine mammals and coral structures over 1,000 years old.
Today’s designation of the only marine national monument in the waters of the continental United States is a watershed moment for ocean conservation. President Obama recognizes the critical need to permanently protect marine resources from current and future threats, most notably the effects of climate change and ocean acidification. His action to protect this wonderland of endangered whales, seabirds, fish, and corals will be lauded by future generations.
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