ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE MONUMENT'S DESIGNATION CELEBRATED

One year ago today, President George W. Bush created the world’s largest fully-protected marine conservation area in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in order to further protect the area’s pristine islands, coral reefs, unique native species and cultural and historic resources. In the first year of the designation of Papāhanaumokuākea Marine National Monument, significant steps have been taken to implement the President’s action, including interagency cooperative agreements, education and outreach efforts and research, among others.

Click here to download official press release from June 15, 2007.
Click here for the meaning of the name Papahānaumokuākea.
Click here to listen to the correct pronounciation of Papahānaumokuākea.

Memorandum of Agreement:
In December 2006, Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and Hawai‘i Governor Linda Lingle signed a Memorandum of Agreement establishing and defining the relationship between the co-trustees of the monument.  Co-trustees are Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Interior Department’s Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the State of Hawai‘i.

Protective Measures:
In August 2006, the agencies published joint regulations to implement the President’s proclamation and ensure resource protection. In April 2007, the U.S. submitted proposals to the International Maritime Organization that, if implemented, will help to reduce threats to the monument posed by international shipping.  Recently, the co-trustees agreed on a joint permitting system that will increase efficiency for applicants.  In addition, the State of Hawai‘i, with the support of NOAA and FWS, submitted an application nominating the monument to be considered for the U.S. World Heritage Tentative List.

Monument Named:
On March 2, 2007 in Honolulu, First Lady Laura Bush announced Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument as the new name of the site after a visit to Midway Atoll.  The name comes from a Hawaiian tradition concerning the genealogy and formation of the Hawaiian Islands. Paphānaumoku (who is personified in the earth) and Wäkea (who is personified in the expansive sky) are two of the most recognized Hawaiian ancestors. Their union resulted in the “birthing” of the archipelago.  “Papa” means “foundational earth,” referencing the low, flat islands.  “Ākea” provides the imagery of the “expanse of space.” Papahānaumokuākea is a name to encourage resource abundance and energize the continued procreative forces of earth, sea and sky.

Research:
Research within the monument helped to inform management and led to the discovery of new species and previously unrecorded historic resources. Studies have also led to a better understanding of the coral reef ecosystem and wildlife species’ habitat needs.

Outreach and Education:
In fall 2006, meetings were held throughout the Main Hawaiian Islands to introduce the monument to the public.  FWS, in coordination with NOAA and the State of Hawai‘i, developed an interim visitor services plan for Midway Atoll that will allow a small number of visitors to learn about and experience the monument. On June 4, 2007, more than 1,600 people visited Midway Atoll to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Midway.

Looking Ahead:
In the coming year, the agencies are focusing on development of the overall monument management plan with significant public involvement. A draft plan is scheduled to be released for public review and comment early in 2008.

As the world’s largest fully-protected marine conservation area, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument stretches for 1,200 miles northwest of the main Hawaiian Islands. The monument includes some of the healthiest coral reefs in the world and is home to myriad endangered and threatened species and numerous important cultural and historical sites.

The monument area includes the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve, the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge/Battle of Midway National Memorial, the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge, the Hawai‘i State Seabird Sanctuary at Kure Atoll, and Northwestern Hawaiian Islands State Marine Refuge.

The area is managed jointly by three co-trustees, the Departments of Commerce and the Interior, in conjunction with the State of Hawai‘i, and represents a cooperative conservation approach to protecting the entire ecosystem.

The one-year anniversary of the monument designation coincides with the President’s recent proclamation that June 2007 is National Oceans Month.

For additional information on the monument, please go to www.hawaiireef.noaa.gov or www.fws.gov/pacificislands.