Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument Expansion

President Obama expanded the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument by approximately 308,316 square nautical miles around Jarvis Island, Wake Island, and Johnston Atoll, extending protection to the seaward limit of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. The proclamation prohibits commercial fishing in the expanded area while allowing noncommercial fishing, scientific research, and military activities, and directs the Secretaries of Interior and Commerce to prepare management plans within two years.

Federal Register Open PDF 79 FR 58645

Impact dates

Sep 25, 2016
Management plans for Monument and Monument Expansion due; implementing regulations to be promulgated

Key directives

Expand Monument boundaries to U.S. EEZ limit for Jarvis, Wake, and Johnston Atoll
Prohibit commercial fishing within Monument Expansion
Secretary of Interior has primary management responsibility, in consultation with Commerce
Secretary of Commerce (NOAA) has primary responsibility for fishery-related activities
Secretaries shall prepare management plans within 2 years
Secretaries shall promulgate implementing regulations
Management plans must involve DOD and State as cooperating agencies under NEPA
Provide process to ensure recreational fishing managed as sustainable activity
Permit noncommercial fishing upon request at specific locations
Permit scientific exploration and research subject to terms and conditions

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Monument Expansion boundaries take effect; commercial fishing prohibited in expanded area
Federal lands withdrawn from entry, location, sale, leasing, or other disposition

Near term (90d)

Secretaries of Interior and Commerce to begin developing management plans and implementing regulations

Long term

Management plans and implementing regulations due within 2 years of September 25, 2014
Ongoing scientific research and species monitoring in expanded protected area
Sustainable recreational fishing management to be established per process

Risks & tensions

Potential tension between conservation goals and commercial fishing industry economic interests
DOD operational flexibility preserved but coordination required for environmental incidents; possible friction between military readiness and environmental protection
Vague phrase 'smallest area compatible' may invite legal challenge given large expansion size
International law compliance provisions create enforcement limitations on foreign vessels