Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument Expansion

President Obama expanded the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument by approximately 442,781 square miles, making it the world's largest marine protected area at the time. The proclamation prohibits commercial fishing, oil and gas exploration, and mineral extraction in the expanded area while allowing regulated scientific research, Native Hawaiian cultural practices, and non-commercial fishing.

Federal Register Open PDF 81 FR 60227

Impact dates

Aug 26, 2019
Joint management plan due

Key directives

Expand Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument by approximately 442,781 square miles
Secretaries of Commerce and Interior shall share management responsibility for Monument Expansion
Secretary of Commerce should consider initiating National Marine Sanctuary designation process
Secretaries shall prepare joint management plan within 3 years of proclamation date
Secretaries shall promulgate implementing regulations as appropriate
Secretaries shall coordinate with Department of Defense to protect sunken military craft
Secretary of State shall take steps to protect Monument Expansion internationally
Prohibit commercial fishing, oil/gas/mineral exploration, and specified harmful activities

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Monument Expansion takes effect upon proclamation
Federal lands withdrawn from entry, sale, leasing, or other disposition
Prohibited activities take effect

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

Joint management plan due within 3 years
Potential National Marine Sanctuary designation process
Implementing regulations to be promulgated

Risks & tensions

Potential conflict with commercial fishing interests in expanded area
International law compliance requirements may limit enforcement against foreign vessels
Balancing military readiness with environmental protection in Pacific operations area
Native Hawaiian cultural access claims versus conservation restrictions