ExecutiveOrdersEO
Memo 8336MemorandumBiden · D

Presidential Memorandum 8336

Conserving the Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Pacific Remote Islands

This memorandum directs the Commerce Secretary to consider initiating a National Marine Sanctuary designation for waters around the Pacific Remote Islands within 30 days, and mandates collaboration between Interior and Commerce on conservation. It also requires development of Indigenous naming processes and cultural recognition recommendations within 2 years, including potential renaming of the existing monument.

Federal Register Open PDF 88 FR 19201

Impact dates

  1. Secretaries shall identify appropriate names, provide monument renaming recommendation, and identify naming conventions

  2. Secretaries shall provide recommendations on cultural recognition and honoring Hui Panalā'au

  3. Secretary of Commerce should consider initiating National Marine Sanctuary designation

Key directives

  • Secretary of Commerce should consider initiating National Marine Sanctuary designation within 30 days
  • Secretary of Commerce shall identify anticipated timeline for designation completion as expeditiously as possible
  • Secretary of Commerce shall establish advisory council and pursue Indigenous collaboration for final designation
  • Secretaries of Interior and Commerce shall collaborate on conservation
  • Secretaries shall develop Indigenous naming process and identify appropriate names within 2 years
  • Secretaries shall provide monument renaming recommendation to President within 2 years
  • Secretaries shall provide cultural recognition recommendations within 2 years, including for Hui Panalā'au

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Secretary of Commerce to consider initiating National Marine Sanctuary designation process

Near term (90d)

  • Potential commencement of sanctuary designation process under National Marine Sanctuaries Act

Long term

  • National Marine Sanctuary designation completion (timeline TBD by Commerce)
  • Naming recommendations for refuges, sanctuary, and monument due within 2 years
  • Cultural recognition recommendations for Hui Panalā'au and voyaging heritage due within 2 years
  • Establishment of sanctuary advisory council and Indigenous collaboration on management upon final designation

Risks & tensions

  • Potential conflict with commercial fishing interests in expanded protected areas
  • DOD/Armed Forces exemptions preserved under existing proclamations may limit sanctuary scope
  • 'Consider initiating' language in Section 1(a) creates uncertainty whether designation is mandatory
  • Subject to availability of appropriations may constrain implementation
  • Renaming process could generate political controversy despite cultural significance
Presidential Memorandum 8336: Conserving the Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Pacific Remote Islands · Executive Orders