President Bush is creating a strong
environmental legacy in the Pacific Ocean. In June 2006 the President
created the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands National
Monument, protecting an area 100
times larger than Yosemite National Park and larger than 46 of the 50
states. Now, just before his term ends he's seeking to protect three
far flung areas in the Pacific including the northern Mariana Islands
(location of the Mariana Trench, the deepest spot on earth),
Rose Atoll in American Samoa; and a collection of reefs and atolls
known as the Line Islands.
Thanks to 200 mile territorial limits a total area of more
than 900,000 square miles, larger than Texas and Alaska
combined, larger than all of Mexico, would be protected. The plan is
receiving enthusiastic support from environmental groups. Some
commercial fishing interests are objecting.
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