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20,500 square miles of Gabon's territorial waters are now protected under law
 

This past Monday the West African nation of Gabon completed the creation of the largest network of marine reserves and parks on the continent of Africa—meeting and doubling the UN's 2020 goal three years early. The announcement came at the beginning of an exciting week of ocean conferences at the United Nations in New York City to celebrate World Ocean's Day on June 8.

The West African nation has now protected 26% of their territorial seas and also created what scientists are calling the "most sustainable fisheries management plan for West Africa."  The area has been plagued with excessive overfishing from international fishing vessels. The creation of this reserve will protect the biggest breeding population of olive ridley sea turtles and leatherbacks, as well as 20 species of dolphins and whales. Through the hard work of many organizations, President Ali Bongo Ondimba has now protected 20,500 square miles of ocean.

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