There are two sides to every story and the side being taken by those opposed to Sen. Brian Schatz’s recommendation to President Barack Obama regarding the expansion of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (Gary Beals, WH, July 14) seems to be that spewing disinformation and nonsense will convince the general public that supporting expanded ocean conservation is a bad thing.
Beals argues that because the ocean in the area is deep, there is nothing worth protecting other than “worms living in the ooze.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Scientists have recently discovered a coral in the area proposed for the expansion, that is the oldest living thing on the Earth, a coral that started its life when the pyramids were being built. And that coral has thrived there for more than 4,000 years because it lives in a vibrant, healthy ecosystem that ranges from very deepest depths to the surface of the ocean. From tiny planktonic organisms, to large pelagic fish, whales and many other species that thrive in one of the most unique and productive ecosystems in the Pacific Ocean.
There are very few places on Earth today that are as unsullied, geographically well-positioned and therefore as important to protect, as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Beals letter also suggests that expanding the monument would have catastrophic results for the Hawaii longline industry, but the truth is that that industrial fishery catches less than 8 percent of its annual big-eye tuna landings in the area proposed for expansion. Moreover, the longliners can only fish until they meet an internationally established quota, and this year they will catch their entire 2016 quota by July 22. It is hard to feel bad about asking the longliners who are fishing that successfully, to give up 8 percent of their grounds.
Why am I in favor of the expansion of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument? Because it is culturally important to the native Hawaiian community who initiated the request for the original monument and for this proposed expansion; because the expanded area will protect, for the first time, the last resting place of the 270 Americans and 2,500 Japanese sailors and airmen who lost their lives in the pivotal Battle of Midway, along with four aircraft carriers, other warships and hundreds of planes; and because large, remote, well-placed marine protected areas assure fish, and other living marine resources, can multiply and thrive. The spill-over of marine life from the expanded monument will assure our seafood resources have a place of refuge, particularly in the face of climate change, and our local waters will have a productive and protected source of replenishment, assuring plenty of fish for generations to come.
There are two sides to every story…
Gaffney is a resident of Kalaoa.