The Obama administration announced yesterday the intent to expand the Pacific Remote Islands National Marine Monument. The protection builds upon George W. Bush's 2009 designation of 87,000 square miles of critical coral reef habitat, expanding the monument to more than 490,000 square miles of ocean waters and critical habitat.
Secretary of State John Kerry announced the proclamation last week, calling attention to the areas vulnerability with respect to climate change and the need to conserve significantly bio-diverse habitats and ecosystems. "We have a responsibility to make sure our kids and their families and the future has the same ocean to serve it in the same way as we have — not to be abused, but to preserve and utilize", Kerry said. Click on the video below to check out some amazing footage from this special place. Learn more about this landmark decision in ocean protection - read more here.
