WASHINGTON, June 18 — US President Barack Obama yesterday announced plans to create what could be the world’s largest marine sanctuary in the south-central Pacific Ocean to protect the ocean and its marine ecosystems, Xinhua news agency reported.

Obama announced the plans in a video message to those present at the “Our Ocean” conference hosted by the US State Department which focused on sustainable fisheries, marine pollution and ocean acidification.

“We’ve already shown that when we work together, we can protect our oceans for future generations. So let’s redouble our efforts,” Obama said in a statement.

The White House said the Obama administration is considering how to “expand protections near the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument in the south-central Pacific Ocean, an area which contains some of the most pristine tropical marine environments in the world”.

The administration will consider the input of fishermen, scientists, conservation experts and other stakeholders before making decisions about the geographic scope and details.

The Washington Post reported Obama is looking at expanding the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument from almost 225,328 square kilometres to nearly 2.03 million square kilometres, and that the plan will affect seven islands and atolls controlled by the US.

The plan, led by Secretary of State John Kerry, is likely to spark a new political battle with Republicans over the scope of Obama’s executive powers.

Obama said he is directing Federal agencies to develop a comprehensive programme aimed at deterring illegal fishing, addressing seafood fraud and preventing illegally caught fish from entering the marketplace by increasing traceability and transparency.

According to the White House, black market fishing constitutes up to 20 per cent of wild marine fish caught each year around the world, and drains up to US$23 billion (RM74.4 billion) from legitimate fishing enterprises. — Bernama