NOAA releases plan for sanctuary designation in Hawaii

By Rob Hotakainen | 03/01/2024 04:22 PM EST

The agency would team up with the state of Hawaii to co-manage the proposed Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary.

Fish on a reef at Pearl and Hermes Atoll in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in Hawaii.

Fish on a reef at Pearl and Hermes Atoll in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in Hawaii. Greg McFall/NOAA

NOAA proposed this week designating portions of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in Hawaii as a new national marine sanctuary.

Under NOAA’s proposal, which was released Thursday, the agency would team up with the state of Hawaii to co-manage the sanctuary.

“This proposed designation furthers the Biden-Harris Administration’s steadfast commitment to conserving and protecting vital marine ecosystems,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad.

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In a statement, NOAA said the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary “would supplement and complement existing authorities” and help provide comprehensive protections for everything from wildlife to cultural and maritime heritage resources.

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