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The fragile and unique marine ecosystems of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands encompassed by the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument will receive additional protection under a new internationally recognized designation announced April 4, 2008 by NOAA.

The designation, which was finalized on April 3 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), declares the waters of the monument a “Particularly Sensitive Sea Area” (PSSA). The designation puts into effect internationally recognized measures designed to protect marine resources of ecological or cultural significance from damage by ships while helping keep mariners safe.

• Press Release
• PSSA FAQ
• Link to NOAA's release
• Link to the IMO
  (you will be directed to a non-NOAA web site)

Finding Marine Debris
The NOAA ship Oscar Elton Sette is taking part in a 17-day Marine Debris research cruise from March 24 to April 9, 2008. The crew begins at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, then moves to an area north of Hawaii called the North Pacific Subtropical Convergence Zone.

Check out the crew's blog!

Archipelago Exhibition
The exhibition of 40 dramatic large-format photographs taken by the award-winning team of Susan Middleton and David Liittschwager, are now on display at the Kaua‘i Museum, from November 12, 2007 through May 9, 2008.

Learn more by clicking here.

Visit the Kaua‘i Museum's website by clicking here. (you will be sent to a non-NOAA server)

One Year Anniversary
The Monument Celebrates
Just over one year ago, on June 15, 2006, President Bush signed a proclamation that created the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument.

65th Anniversary
of the Battle of Midway
Commemoration Ceremony, 4 June 2007