Biden To Create New Marine Sanctuary In Pacific

Photo: Palmyra Atoll, about 900 miles south of Hawaii, is part of the Pacific Remote Islands National Marine Monument. (Courtesy: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

Hawaii congressman says “our world’s oceans are at mortal risk.”

President Joe Biden announced Tuesday that he would expeditiously expand and increase environmental protections for a group of remote atolls and islands in the Central Pacific and the nearly 777,000 square miles of waters around them.

He’s directing the commerce secretary to consider initiating a new national marine sanctuary designation within the next 30 days around the Pacific Remote Islands, which would further his goal of conserving at least 30% of U.S. ocean waters by 2030.

A coalition of Pacific island leaders and members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation among others applauded Biden’s decision, though there were some lingering concerns.

“With his support, this action ensures a healthy marine ecosystem of native species, corals, seabirds, and all of the marine ‘ohana that support the perpetuation of traditional voyaging practices in Oceania,” Jonee Peters, executive director of Conservation Council for Hawaii, said in a release.

Johnston Atoll, Wake Island, Jarvis Island, Palmyra Atoll/Kingman Reef and the Baker and Howland Islands have been protected since President George W. Bush established the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National […]

Full article: Biden To Create New Marine Sanctuary In Pacific