Washington, DC – Today President Obama signed a proclamation designating the world’s largest marine reserve, expanding the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument to encompass 370,000 square nautical miles. U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a co-chair of the Senate Oceans Caucus, released the statement below applauding the designation:
“I have long argued that we must become caretakers – not just takers – of our marine resources. The ocean is a source of food, energy, recreation and more, but it is also a carefully balanced ecosystem in which small changes can have major and often unforeseen effects. This proclamation is an investment in the long-term health and sustainability of our ocean and its bounty, and I thank the President for signing it.”
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