The designation of the marine monument in the Northern Marianas drew mixed reactions from several government officials as well as conservation groups and a member of the U.S. Congress.
Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo says she is disappointed by the process President Bush and his administration used under the Antiquities Act to reach the decision.
She says she does not believe that the process to reach the decision was as inclusive and consultative as she would have preferred.
She said she wants more consultation under the new leadership of Barack Obama with the governments of Guam and the CNMI as the management plan for this new monument is developed.
Meanwhile, the Friends of the Monument issued a statement praising President Bush for his decision.
And the Western and Pacific Network based Hawaii, applauded the decision, it says local organisations had an important role in protecting the three Pacific ecosystems.
