World's largest marine reserve created off Hawaii

[nitpicker]

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-37202045

World's largest marine reserve created off Hawaii

2 hours ago

From the section US & Canada


US President Barack Obama has expanded a national monument off Hawaii, creating the world's largest marine reserve, the White House says. His announcement on Friday quadruples in size a monument originally created by President George W Bush in 2006. The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument will now span 1.5m sq km (582,578 sq miles), more than twice the size of Texas. The designation bans commercial fishing and any new mining.

The White House says the expansion is helping to protect more than 7,000 species and improves an ecosystem affected by ocean acidification and warming. A fact sheet previewing the announcement also states that the expanded area is considered a sacred place for Native Hawaiians.

The expansion was welcomed by environmental campaigners.
(snip)

But some fishing groups have voiced concerns.
(snip)

[longship]

1. Gooney birds dance in celebration!

The preserve includes Midway Atoll.
That's how large it is.

The Gooney Birds are happy!

R&K

[Judi Lynn]

2. They've got that Gooney dance down! Yipee. Loved the view of some young goonies, too. n/t

[Judi Lynn]

3. Sure glad he followed through with that plan. Hope they will keep it intact. n/t