I don’t love the Presidential authority to declare wild areas “monuments.” But it’s old and settled as law and it ain’t going anywhere. So, given that and given the merits of the case, I’m inclined to think that Bush’s decision to declare a giant marine sanctuary off limits is a good one. From my reading of the papers, the affected parties — a handful of fishing companies, at least one in favor of the move — will be fairly compensated by private foundations, and the area certainly sounds like it’s worth protecting. I’m curious if Iain or Jon Adler are opposed to it, and on what grounds.