Blue-Washing the Colonization and Militarization of "Our Ocean"

A critical analysis reveals that the expansion of marine national monuments, such as Papahānaumokuākea, under the Antiquities Act of 1906, serves to further colonize, militarize, and privatize Pacific waters without public or Indigenous consultation. Unlike official sanctuaries, which require extensive community engagement, these monuments are unilaterally designated by presidents, restricting public access and violating Indigenous rights by separating communities from sacred spaces. Additionally, the designation process facilitates future military use of these areas, reflecting a 'logic of military conservation' that prioritizes federal control over public or Indigenous trust.

Perez, C. S. (2023). Blue-Washing the Colonization and Militarization of “Our Ocean”. The Contemporary Pacific, 35(1-2), 96–103. https://doi.org/10.1353/cp.2023.a924453