WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Barack Obama has designated one of the most unique places in the Atlantic Ocean, the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts today. In response to the announcement, Ocean Conservancy CEO Andreas Merkl issued the following statement:

“By protecting the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts, President Obama has underscored the essential fact that for humanity to prosper in the coming decades we must explore, understand and protect our astounding underwater ecosystems—especially in the face of global climate change. “Our ocean is changing dramatically due to multiple stressors from climate change. Ocean acidification, warming waters, invasive species – to name just a few – are having wide-ranging impacts. Scientists are only starting to understand how these combined stressors will affect the ocean and coastal communities. By permanently protecting large marine areas like and the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts, the Administration is strengthening the resilience of these regions and its inhabitants – as the fight against climate change continues.

“In 1906, President Teddy Roosevelt designated five national parks and signed the Antiquities Act giving U.S. presidents the authority to protect unique areas of our vast nation. Since then, generations of Americans have grown up with reverence for places like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite. Where Roosevelt spurred a national curiosity for the great American West, President Obama now directs our attention to the ocean frontier that surrounds our nation – a rich, deep expanse we have only begun to discover.

“As a science-based organization, Ocean Conservancy applauds President Obama for his vision and bold leadership in protecting special, unique places in our ocean. A world teeming with life and undiscovered wonders, hidden deep and far from the modern world, the Northeast marine monument is America’s ocean Amazon.

“The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument solidifies President  Obama’s place in history as our ocean President.”

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Andreas Merkl available for interviews upon request.

Ocean Conservancy is working with you to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together, we create science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit www.oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.