Expand the protections of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument

Recognizing the need to protect our oceans, students, scholars and concerned citizens have come together from across the country to express their full support of the President's plan to expand the Pacific Remote Islands National Monument. The delicacy of the ocean’s health demands immediate action, and the resounding support for this plan shows that the citizenry wants the administration to implement an expansion of ocean conservation efforts as soon as possible.The United States has the opportunity to make a monumental impact for global ecological health by expanding the U.S. Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument from its current 50 nautical miles to its 200 nautical miles capacity--a feat that would include the Exclusive Economic Zone and would without a doubt be a world changing accomplishment.   

We believe that the protection of our world’s oceans is critical not only to the well-being of marine species and forestry but also to the economic growth of our society and the sustainability of our planet.

We recognize that this plan speaks for future generations, for the millions that depend on its vibrant biodiversity for food, and for the need to understand the unique species and plant life that have been lost due to ocean warming and pollution.

We ask
 the President and its administration to pause a moment and fully appreciate the value of this opportunity. Rarely have we the opportunity to impact billions of lives worldwide and secure the future of our children and grandchildren. Together, we have the power and responsibility to protect our planet, but such a task demands collaboration and cooperation. 

We implore accountability and responsibility on every front. 

With this in mind, we ask for the President and his administration to take action and expand the Pacific Remote Islands National Monument. The passage of this proposal would not just preserve pristine environments, but also protect endangered species, contribute to the health of pacific fisheries, and make local reefs more resilient to the impending threat of a warming ocean and climate change. Passage of this proposal does not simply serve oceans of today, but also the generations of tomorrow. Through preservation and protection, the administration can ensure that the citizenry will have the opportunity to learn, discover, and continue to enjoy the innumerable benefits a healthy ocean has to offer for many years to come. 

Drafted by:  The Georgetown U.N Sustainable Oceans Alliance
Signed by: Citizens

 

More background on the President’s proposal:

On June 17, 2014, President Obama announced his intention to consider expanding the protections of the Pacific Remote Islands Monument. At over 2 million square km, the expanded Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (currently 216,000 sq. km) would be the largest ocean conservation legacy in history. This Monument alone would protect 18% of the United States’ Exclusive Economic Zone, making our country the world leader in ocean protection. President Obama can declare this new, expanded  Monument using the Antiquities Act - with the stroke of a pen.

The proposed territories are home to deep biodiversity hotspots and are feeding grounds for almost 14 million birds. The area will affect 21 protected marine mammals, 5 sea turtle species, and 240 undersea mountains, and there will be no conflict with fishing, allowing fish species to replenish.

The White House fact sheet stated:

"The President announced a commitment to use his authority to protect some of our most precious marine landscape just like he has for our mountains and rivers and forests.   To meet the President’s commitment, the Administration will immediately consider how we might expand protections near the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument in the south-central Pacific Ocean, an area which contains some of the most pristine tropical marine environments in the world.  These tropical coral reefs and associated marine ecosystems are also among the most vulnerable areas to the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification. Before making decisions about the geographic scope and details of future marine protections, we will consider the input of fishermen, scientists, conservation experts, elected officials, and other stakeholders.  The President is also calling on other world leaders to join him in this effort to ensure that the world’s most valuable ocean ecosystems remain productive and pristine for our children and grandchildren." 

Recognizing the need to protect our oceans, students, scholars and concerned citizens have come together from across the country to express their full support of the President's plan to expand the Pacific Remote Islands National Monument. The delicacy of the ocean’s health demands immediate action, and the resounding support for this plan shows that the citizenry wants the administration to implement an expansion of ocean conservation efforts as soon as possible.The United States has the opportunity to make a monumental impact for global ecological health by expanding the U.S. Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument from its current 50 nautical miles to its 200 nautical miles capacity--a feat that would include the Exclusive Economic Zone and would without a doubt be a world changing accomplishment.   


We believe that the protection of our world’s oceans is critical not only to the well-being of marine species and forestry but also to the economic growth of our society and the sustainability of our planet.


We recognize that this plan speaks for future generations, for the millions that depend on its vibrant biodiversity for food, and for the need to understand the unique species and plant life that have been lost due to ocean warming and pollution.

We ask
 the President and its administration to pause a moment and fully appreciate the value of this opportunity. Rarely have we the opportunity to impact billions of lives worldwide and secure the future of our children and grandchildren. Together, we have the power and responsibility to protect our planet, but such a task demands collaboration and cooperation. 


We implore accountability and responsibility on every front. 


With this in mind, we ask for the President and his administration to take action and expand the Pacific Remote Islands National Monument. The passage of this proposal would not just preserve pristine environments, but also protect endangered species, contribute to the health of pacific fisheries, and make local reefs more resilient to the impending threat of a warming ocean and climate change. Passage of this proposal does not simply serve oceans of today, but also the generations of tomorrow. Through preservation and protection, the administration can ensure that the citizenry will have the opportunity to learn, discover, and continue to enjoy the innumerable benefits a healthy ocean has to offer for many years to come. 

Drafted by:  The Georgetown U.N Sustainable Oceans Alliance
Signed by: Citizens


 

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