Proposed Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary: FAQs

Q: Would the proposed sanctuary designation change the area from a marine national monument to a national marine sanctuary?

A: No. The national marine sanctuary designation would not replace monument status, but would add additional protections to safeguard resources in the marine portions of the monument. The level of protection within the monument currently in effect will not be reduced by the process to designate this area as a national marine sanctuary.

Q: Would a proposed national marine sanctuary include all of the existing monument area?

A: A proposed national marine sanctuary would only be considered for the marine portions of the monument. It would not include the land areas.

Q: How would the proposed sanctuary provide additional protection?

A: Designation as a national marine sanctuary would strengthen existing protections for the monument through the addition of sanctuary regulations. National Marine Sanctuaries Act authorities and regulations would enhance resource protection, provide tools to increase regulatory compliance, ensure enforceability of protections, provide natural resource damage assessment authorities, and provide requirements for interagency consultation. The level of protection within the Monument would not be reduced by national marine sanctuary designation.

Q: Why does this area need additional protection?

A: Designation as a national marine sanctuary would complement the efforts of the State of Hawaiʻi and other federal agencies to conserve the nationally significant ecosystems and cultural resources of this area. The ecosystems are increasingly under pressure from threats such as marine debris, invasive species, and climate change. National marine sanctuary designation would provide additional protections to safeguard resources in the marine portions of the Monument.

Q: Will sanctuary designation change the co-management structure of the monument?

A: No. The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has been a key partner and co-managing agency in the management of Papahānaumokuākea since the initial designation of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve in 2000. The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries will continue to work collaboratively with the Papahānaumokuākea Monument Management Board to conduct, support and promote research, characterization and long term monitoring of marine ecosystems and species, and cultural and maritime heritage resources of Papahānaumokuākea. Sanctuary designation will ensure the full benefits and expertise offered by the National Marine Sanctuary System and staff.

Q: How does National Marine Sanctuary designation enhance management of the monument?

A: With sanctuary designation, NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries would be able to enhance or fill gaps in critical management priorities through the adoption of a sanctuary management plan. A sanctuary management plan would complement the existing monument management plan for Papahānaumokuākea and focus on five kūkulu, or pillars of management, to guide day-to-day sanctuary activities. These kūkulu are resource protection and conservation; research and monitoring; governance and operations; partnerships and constituent engagement; and education, interpretation, and mentoring.

Q: Which EIS boundary alternative is NOAA recommending and why?

A: Alternative 1 boundary is coextensive with the marine portions of the Monument. The boundary includes the marine environment surrounding the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands from the shoreline of the islands and atolls seaward to 200 nautical miles, including all State waters and waters of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve, Midway Atoll and Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuges, and State of Hawaiʻi Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine Refuge. This alternative includes all shallow-water coral reef habitats most vulnerable to both human and natural threats, including impacts from marine debris, invasive species, and climate change. As the entirety of Papahānaumokuākea is sacred to Kānaka ʻOiwi, this alternative ensures that values of Native Hawaiian culture are considered.

Q: Is commercial fishing currently allowed in the monument?

A: Commercial fishing is prohibited in the entirety of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, including the Monument Expansion Area. The commercial fishing prohibition would not be changed by national marine sanctuary designation.

Q: What is the process for designating a national marine sanctuary?

A: The process to designate a new sanctuary is well established and documented:

1. Public Scoping Process -- Information collection and characterization, including the consideration of public comments received during scoping;

2. Preparation of Draft Documents -- Preparation and release of draft designation documents including a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) that identifies boundary and/or regulatory alternatives, a draft management plan, and a notice of proposed rulemaking to define proposed sanctuary regulations. Draft documents would be used to initiate consultations with federal, state, or local agencies and other interested parties, as appropriate;

3. Public Comment -- Through public meetings and in writing, allow for public review and comment on the DEIS, draft management plan, and notice of proposed rulemaking;

4. Preparation of Final Documents -- Preparation and release of a final environmental impact statement, final management plan, and a final rule and regulations, including a response to public comments.

5. The sanctuary designation and regulations would take effect after the end of a review period of 45 days of continuous session of Congress. If the sanctuary is located partially or entirely within state waters, the Governor of the affected state has the opportunity to review and certify to the Secretary of Commerce that the designation of portions of state waters or any of its terms are acceptable or unacceptable.

Q: How will the Native Hawaiian community be involved in sanctuary activities if designated?

A: If designated, the sanctuary will actively engage with the Papahānaumokuākea Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group (CWG), which represents the Native Hawaiian community voice in advising the Office of Hawaiian Affairs as a co-trustee of the Monument. The CWG is composed of Native Hawaiian kūpuna (respected elders), researchers, cultural practitioners, educators, and community members with deep connections and historical ties to Papahānaumokuākea. The proposed sanctuary will have a Native Hawaiian Program Specialist on staff and the communication and engagement team will develop events and outreach materials specifically to involve the Native Hawaiian community across the islands, including products in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. The Sanctuary Advisory Council will also include Native Hawaiian seats.