(May, 8 2008) – The Bush administration is considering creating a string of marine sanctuaries in the Gulf of Mexico in an effort to bolster a legacy as the oceans' defender.

But the proposal is hitting opposition from Republican senators. They're fearful that the plan would hamper oil and natural gas drilling and hurt fishermen.

Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana says the proposal "holds potentially grave consequences" for the region's economy.

It comes at a sensitive time as Gulf states try to recover from devastating hurricanes.

He and Alabama's two Republican senators, Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions sent a letter expressing their "strong objections" to the sanctuary plan.

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