Washington, DC (April 19, 2024) –In response to the Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement today that the United States has already “conserved” almost one-third of its marine areas, Arlo Hemphill, Greenpeace USA Oceans are Life Project Lead, said: “This is a disappointing display of creative accounting, one that not only misleads the public but also perpetuates a failed status quo that falls short of the scientific imperative to protect our oceans, allow them to recover, and secure a livable planet. The fact is that NOAA has done practically nothing to advance America’s progress toward the 30 by 30 target since President Biden announced the greatest conservation agenda of any president ever.”
“After an outcry from the public, the U.S. became a champion for a strong Global Ocean Treaty and was among the earliest signatories. We urge the Biden Administration to uphold its commitment and ensure that the U.S. continues to lead on this issue by moving quickly to expand the network of ocean sanctuaries and monuments. Instead of claiming that the U.S. has already met its goal to protect 30% of our waters, NOAA should be working to deliver on President Biden’s plan to expand the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, declaring the Chumash Heritage region a National Marine Sanctuary, and working with regional fishery management councils to establish a representative network of fully protected areas.”
With very few exceptions, the protected areas acknowledged in the current Atlas existed prior to Biden’s 30×30 commitment. However, not all are protected against extractive industries such as oil and gas, sand dredging, and commercial fisheries, according to the Marine Conservation Institute. Greenpeace International’s report released in 2023 details how ocean warming, acidification, pollution, and the emerging threat of deep sea mining are placing ever more strain on ocean ecosystems, making clear the urgency of political action to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.
Hemphill Continued: “The idea behind 30×30 is that we fully or highly protect 30% of the planet to act as a reservoir of life and renewal for the other 70% that humans are occupying and depleting. Simply drawing lines on a map but allowing business as usual in that area doesn’t count as a conservation success. Biden’s vision is a good one. But let’s implement it before celebrating.”
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Contact: Tanya Brooks, Greenpeace USA Senior Communications Specialist, P: 703-342-9226, E: [email protected]
Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.
