WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama will establish on Thursday the first national marine monument in the Atlantic, a move that’s designed to permanently protect nearly 5,000 square miles of underwater canyons and mountains off the coast of New England.

The White House said the designation will lead to a ban on commercial fishing, mining and drilling, though a 7-year exception will occur for the lobster and red crab industries. Also, recreational fishing will be allowed within the monument.

The designation of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument marks the 27th time Obama has acted to create or expand a national monument. As he prepares to complete his presidency, Obama has made frequent use of the authorities granted under the Antiquities Act, much to the delight of environmental groups but to the consternation of some lawmakers and industry groups.

The White House said Obama will make the announcement at a conference in Washington bringing in leaders from around the world to mobilize efforts on protecting the health of the world’s oceans. More than 20 countries attending the conference will announce the creation of their own marine protected areas.

Supporters say that roping off large swaths of ocean from human stresses can sustain important species and reduce the toll of climate change. But many in the fishing industry worry Obama’s actions will make it harder for them to earn a living.