Contact: Allen Tom FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Justin Kenney 2/19/97
Representatives from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration unveiled the final management plan for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary today in Honolulu, Hawaii. This sanctuary plan was developed with input from a citizens advisory council to help protect Hawaii's important marine resources and stimulate the local economy.
"The sanctuary brings a community-based approach to the long-term protection of the humpback whale and its habitat," said Terry Garcia, acting assistant secretary and deputy administrator for NOAA. "The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is an important part of a larger effort to protect the health of Hawaii's ocean and invest in the future of its economy," Garcia added.
Highlights of the final management plan include:
a 2,100-square mile
sanctuary encompassing the majority of the humpback whales' Hawaiian
habitat;
a prohibition against sanctuary-imposed user fees;
a protection strategy that increases awareness of existing state and federal
regulations that protect humpback whales and their habitat;
a sanctuary advisory council to ensure continued local involvement;
. recognition of Native Hawaiian subsistence, cultural, and
religious uses within the sanctuary;
. research and education programs that build upon existing efforts.
"The Hawaii sanctuary plan gives local residents a direct voice in the protection of humpback whales," said Sanctuary liaison Allen Tom. "For example, the plan's prohibition against sanctuary-imposed user fees addresses one of the needs and concerns expressed by the community. Also, the sanctuary opens up a world of opportunities for volunteers, researchers, teachers and students, business men and women, tourists and others to learn about and benefit from humpback whales."
The shallow, warm waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands comprise one of the world's most important humpback whale habitats. Scientists estimate that two-thirds of the entire North Pacific humpback whale population (2,000-3,000) migrate to Hawaiian waters to breed, calve and nurse. This number is down from the estimated 15,000 whales that existed in pre-whaling days. The continued protection of humpback whales and their Hawaiian habitat is crucial to the long-term recovery of this magnificent endangered species.
The Hawaii sanctuary was created in 1992 to provide protection for humpback whales and their Hawaiian habitat. Since that time, NOAA and the state have held dozens of public meetings and received hundreds of public comments to develop a final management plan. NOAA previously convened a 25-member citizens advisory council to help guide development of the final sanctuary plan.
The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is one of 12 marine sanctuaries that protect the nation's significant natural and cultural marine resources. Established 25 years ago, the National Marine Sanctuary Program works cooperatively at the local, state and national levels to balance the enjoyment of our oceans with their long-term protection. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a Commerce Department agency, administers the program.
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