Protections needed for the Pacific Remote Islands

In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, seven islands and atolls sit among a vast expanse of bright blue waves. Known as the Pacific Remote Islands, this unparalleled ocean paradise is among the last wild and healthy marine ecosystems in the world.

But this precious place is facing threats like deep-sea mining and industrial fishing while also suffering from the effects of climate change. We’re calling on the Biden administration to expand protections for the Pacific Remote Islands and the ocean life that call it home.

From colorful sea turtles foraging in vibrant reefs to gentle manta rays soaring through pristine blue expanses, wondrous wildlife call the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument home. West of Hawaii, it spans nearly 500,000 square miles, including the seven islands, atolls and their surrounding waters.

This is a true tropical paradise for marine life. Picture shallow coral reefs teeming with parrotfish, giant blue clams, coconut crabs and reef sharks. Imagine the otherworldly deep blue depths with pastel pink sea sponges and bamboo coral waving in the current on the rocky ocean floor. This beautiful ocean ecosystem needs full and permanent protections.

The Pacific Remote Islands are already partially protected as a National Marine Monument, but we’re asking the Biden administration to make the entire region off-limits to commercial fishing, deep-sea mining and offshore drilling.

In addition to conserving amazing biodiversity, expanding the monument will make it the world’s largest marine protected area.

On June 2, 2023, our national network delivered more than 30,000 public comments in support of  a proposal to make this special place a National Marine Sanctuary.