EDF Hails Administration Action to Protect Marine Habitat, Combat Illegal Fishing

(WASHINGTON – June 17, 2014) The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) today hailed the announcement by the Obama administration that it will develop a new marine sanctuary in the central Pacific Ocean as well as a new initiative to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

 “With today’s announcements, President Obama has claimed his legacy as a true champion for the world’s ocean.

“The expanded marine protected area in the central Pacific Ocean ensures a significant amount of crucial ocean habitat will remain pristine and unaltered. EDF played a key role in advocating for the creation of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument in 2009, and we welcome today’s move to expand on this success. It is a major commitment by the United States to permanently protect our nation’s marine treasures.

 “The President’s new initiative to combat seafood fraud will ensure that our country’s work to build sustainable fisheries will not be in vain. Better traceability ensures market benefits reach hard-working fishermen and reward good fisheries management.

 “We hope these initiatives will encourage the rest of the world to follow suit by increasing protection of sensitive marine habitat and ensuring our sustainably managed fisheries have real value in the marketplace.” 

  Amanda Leland, Vice President, EDF Oceans Program