U.S. Sec. of State Antony Blinken today issued a statement recognizing World Ocean Day, in part noting the administration’s goal to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 and the need to “address the ocean plastic pollution crisis.” As to 30×30, Blinken said that expanding marine protected areas “are an important part of meeting that goal, as they are an essential tool than can help protect biodiversity and habitats, support fisheries, capture and store carbon, and build ocean resilience.”
Blinken’s statement also noted the importance of addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and support for “cooperative, science-based rules” to ensure long-term sustainable fisheries.
