At the end of September, the largest marine reserve in the world was created in the Pacific Ocean and covers 1.3 million square kilometers. This huge protected area takes place between Australia and Hawaii and was created by the United States, at the initiative of the American president, Barack Obama. " Growing up in Hawaii, I learned to appreciate the beauty and power of the ocean. Like Presidents Bush and Clinton before me, I will use my presidential authority to protect some of our most precious seascapes, the same way we protect mountains, forests and rivers." he explains.
This new ecological project comes in the continuity of another great project started by George Bush during his mandate. Indeed, in 2009, the former president created the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument. In 2015, this gigantic marine reserve comprising seven islands and coral atolls will expand to six times its current size.
In this protected area, a level II protection on the scale of protected areas of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, has been established. This means that only traditional and recreational fishing is allowed as well as nautical activities.
Protecting marine resources
Establishing a nature reserve will allow the protection of many rare and endangered animal species such as corals, whales, turtles, sharks, manta rays, tuna and marine birds.
