WASHINGTON — President Obama said on Tuesday that he plans to use his executive power to create the world’s largest marine protected area in the south-central Pacific Ocean. This is to protect the habitats of coral reefs, whales, dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, and many fish species from commercial fishing and other activities.
This is one of the few ways the president can create new protections for the environment without Congress acting. He has also used his power as president under the Antiquities Act of 1906 to name 11 new national monuments on land. This makes sure that millions of acres of unspoiled wilderness will stay that way.