World's Largest Marine Reserve

See article: "Obama to Create World’s Largest Marine Reserve Off Hawaii," by Julie Hirschfeld Davis, Aug 26, 2016. New York Times.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/26/us/politics/obamas-action-will-create-largest-marine-reserve-on-earth.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fscience&action=click&contentCollection=science&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=sectionfront&_r=0>

Aerial view of Midway Atoll, June 2007. Credit: Burl Burlingame/Honolulu Star-Bulletin, via Associated Press

Article cites Obama's decision to quadruple the size of the Midway Atoll marine sanctuary at the Papahanaumokuakea monument in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands.  This is a commendable act; an example of the type of action by world leaders that we need more of. But within the vastness of the world's oceans, it is a small token. The sea life that is threatened, damaged and destroyed by human actions has the disadvantage of not being seen on a daily basis by most people.  Out of sight, out of mind? Not for the people of island nations.  I highly recommend the documentary film: The Island President which tracks Mohamed Nasheed, President of the Maldive Islands in the Indian Ocean and his monumental efforts to positively effect global climate change. It is available on iTunes for $0.99.

– Martha McDaniel