Obama: ‘My Administration Has Protected More Waters than Any in History’

‘We cracked down on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing’

"At an Oceans Conference, with a bunch of experts, I assume I don’t have to tell you that oceans are pretty important — you guys know this. But for those of you who are listening outside the hall, it is the dominant feature of our planet. It’s why we share a blue marble, as opposed to a brown or gray one. Our oceans feed us, protect us, regulate our climate, our weather, anchor industries from transportation to tourism to trade of all kind. The health of our planet’s oceans determine in large part the health of our own bodies and the health of our economies. And while it is our oceans’ contours that shape our coastlines, it is what we decide and do here that will shape our oceans’ future. 

And that’s why my administration has protected more waters than any in history. We established the first-ever National Ocean Policy, which brings together government leaders with fishermen and boaters and researchers and everyday citizens, and ensures the decisions we make and resources we use are grounded in science. We cracked down on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. We’ve created and expanded marine sanctuaries. And, as John mentioned, just last month we created the largest marine-protected area on Earth. It is now twice the size of Texas, home to more than 7,000 species, including some that are endangered and threatened."

Video files
Full
Compact
Audio files
Full
Compact