Washington, DC – League of Conservation Voters (LCV) President Gene Karpinski released this statement following news reports that President Barack Obama will propose expanding the United States’ network of protected ocean areas, creating the world’s largest marine preserve:

“Good news for the ocean is great news for everyone. Protecting these fragile places will have lasting benefits well beyond the immediate area as fisheries and other ocean life have a better chance of recovering and thriving. These protections will also reduce stress on the ocean at a time when it is already feeling the effects of climate change and ocean acidification from carbon pollution.  Unfortunately, Congress is attempting to weaken the President’s National Ocean Policy and seriously hampering NOAA’s ability to monitor and safeguard our waters. Congress would do well to follow the President’s lead and make ocean protection a priority.”

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