If you had asked me five years ago what the biggest environmental issue would be for our generation, I would have said the destruction of the oceans.  Of course, the rising threat from global warming has overshadowed all others recently, but the oceans continue on a tragic path – a true tragedy of the commons.

Today there’s a bright spot, as President Bush has designated a large area of the American-controlled Pacific Ocean islands and waters a marine national monument.  The designation will create limits on oil exploration, fishing and other commercial activities to protect the habitat for the birds, fish and other marine inhabitants of the region.

The protected area adds to the  Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument that Bush designated two years ago.  Together, the two areas protect 334,000 square miles – about the size of California, Oregon and Washington combined.

Congratulations to our partners, the Pew Environment Group and the Marine Conservation Biology Institute, who worked hard to make this happen, and to the thousands of Care2 members who sent public comments (1, 2)  supporting this plan.   Success!