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
# # #
Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org), a leading national nonprofit organization, creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. EDF links science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships. Connect with us on EDF Voices, Twitter and Facebook.