(Mirror Daily, United States) – Among many facilities and projects to protect the marine ecosystem, the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument is one of the most famous. However, people believe that 50 nautical miles are not enough to contain such a large variety of species.

Therefore, many efforts have been made lately to persuade the federal and state government to expand Papahanaumokuakea Monument. Until now, 67,000 petitions and letters supporting this initiative were delivered to the Maui’s governor.

Based on the new project the monument will have 200 nautical miles, the limit of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Exclusive Economic Zone. However, the area will not include two weather buoys, used by recreational fishermen and the waters surrounding Kauai and Niihau.

Through this massive campaign, people wish to have a larger ecosystem in which the marine resources will be persevered and protected. Unfortunately, over the last few decades the sea creatures and the coral reefs were critically harmed due to human ignorance and excess.

The real target of this initiative is to repair the damage that has been done until now, and to raise awareness regarding a huge problem that concerns not only Papahanaumokuakea but the entire world. According to Rob Parsons, environmental coordinator for Maui County, and part of the Native Hawaiians and local fishermen who delivered the petitions and letters, the Pacific Ocean does not have unlimited resources.

If we continue harming the ecosystem, there will be severe consequences. On the other hand, marine researchers underlined that the monument needs to be expanded because many migratory species, including tuna, sharks, seabirds, dolphins, whales and sea turtles do not have enough food inside the 50-mile area, so they go in search of other sources of food outside the monument.

Furthermore, over the last ten years, marine biologists have discovered many species that are still a mystery for science. During scientific expeditions, they found at least three new species of fish of which we do not know anything.

Plus, researchers also discovered black corals which are most likely older than 4,500 years and appear like a redwood forest of the ocean.

According to Dr. Richard Pyle, an associate zoologist in ichthyology at the Department of Natural Sciences, Bishop Museum, this area is perfect for becoming a highly preserved and protected region. Hopefully, Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument will soon become a larger marine environment.

Image Source:Wikipedia