Bush wants to protect tiny Pacific islands

In a very isolated area of the Western Pacific are a tiny group of picture postcard perfect islands and Atolls that make up the Line Islands.

In the “same” area, relatively speaking, are the Northern Mariana Islands and the American Samoan chain.

On Monday, US President Bush announced that he proposes to protect these tropical paradise isles in a massive marine conservation area.

The Bush cabinet has apparently received memos from the President stating that he is currently seeking advice on how best to proceed to increase the level of natural protection provided to the Pacific water playgrounds.

Although the memo made no specific proposals, it is assumed that he is intending to curb any industry or other developments that encroach on the coral reefs that surround these islands and protect them from any kind of commercial over-exploitation.

International law provides that government controlled waters extend up to 200 mils from the cost of all countries and possessions.

Therefore, any new laws aimed at protecting the islands and reefs would extend up to 200 miles from the shores and include such industries as undersea mining and oil rigs.

It is also thought that the President wants to see the proposals in place before his term as president ends.

It’s unclear how any proposals would affect existing rigs and other activities such as commercial fishing that are already well established in the area.