Biden Administration's Ocean Conservation Claims Disputed by Advocates

The Biden administration has claimed that the United States is conserving approximately one-third of its ocean areas, suggesting it is meeting a key environmental goal. However, ocean advocates are disputing this claim, arguing that many of the areas included still allow for commercial fishing and do not provide the necessary protections for marine ecosystems.

The White House says it is using a more inclusive definition of conservation, but advocates warn that this could set a misleading global example for marine protection goals. Arlo Hemphill, Greenpeace USA's Oceans are Life Project Lead, criticized the administration's claim as a "disappointing display of creative accounting" that misleads the public and perpetuates a failed status quo.

Hemphill argued that the U.S. has done little to advance progress towards the 30 by 30 target, which aims to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. He noted that the protected areas acknowledged in the current Atlas existed prior to Biden's 30x30 commitment, with many not fully protected against extractive industries.

Why this matters: The disagreement highlights the ongoing debate over what areas should be considered 'protected' and the need for more accurate and comprehensive data to measure progress towards conservation targets. It also underscores the importance of setting a strong global example in marine conservation efforts.

Greenpeace International's report from 2023 highlighted the urgent need for political action to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. Hemphill urged the Biden administration to uphold its commitment and ensure that the U.S. continues to lead on this issue by expanding the network of ocean sanctuaries and monuments, rather than claiming that the goal has already been met.

The federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has taken some positive steps, releasing a final rule for the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska that adds new protections for 13 million acres of sensitive lands. The BLM also rejected the Ambler Access Project, a plan for a 211-mile private industrial road that would have caused environmental and subsistence harms in remote Alaska wilderness.

While these actions are seen as a win for Indigenous rights, public lands and waters, and combating climate change impacts in the Arctic, ocean advocates maintain that the administration's claims about conserving one-third of ocean areas are misleading. They emphasize the need for more comprehensive protections and accurate reporting to ensure meaningful progress towards marine conservation goals.

Key Takeaways

• Biden admin claims 1/3 of US oceans conserved, but advocates dispute this as misleading.
• Advocates argue many 'protected' areas still allow commercial fishing, lacking full protection.
• US has made little progress towards 30x30 target to protect 30% of oceans by 2030.
• Debate highlights need for accurate data and stronger global leadership in marine conservation.
• While BLM took positive steps in Alaska, ocean advocates say admin's claims are exaggerated.