Oceans

Tell the Biden administration: Protect the Pacific Remote Islands

The Pacific Remote Islands are among the last wild and healthy marine ecosystems in the world. Submit your public comment before the deadline on June 2 to expand protections for the Pacific Remote Islands.

Dear Administrator Spinrad,

The Pacific Remote Islands are among the last wild and healthy marine ecosystems in the world. This ocean area is home to wildlife including coral, fish, sharks, turtles, rays, whales, dolphins and birds.

Unfortunately, this wild place is facing threats like deep-sea mining and industrial fishing while also suffering from the effects of climate change.

The Pacific Remote Islands also have cultural and historical significance. Protecting this place would honor the memory and sacrifice of young men who served here in World War II, many of them Native Hawaiians. The area also supports traditional wayfinding by Indigenous Pacific Islanders.

I support the Pacific Remote Island Coalition’s proposal in its entirety, including a co-management structure that includes Pacific Island communities in decision-making. I urge you to act swiftly to designate a National Marine Sanctuary, extending protections to the full limit of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around Howland and Baker Islands, Kingman Reef, and Palmyra Atoll. This action will create the largest highly protected marine protected area in the world, ensuring safeguards for the wildlife populations for future generations.

Sincerely,


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