Marine National Monument Established

On June 15, 2006, President Bush signed a proclamation that created the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument (re-named the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument on March 2nd, 2007) . The monument is managed by the Department of the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in close coordination with the State of Hawaii. 

Latest Final Management Plan News!

• Download the completed Management Plan

Key Links and Resources

• World Heritage Nomination
• Co-Trustee Agencies–background and maps
• Multi-media resources about the designation

NOAA and the USFWS are issuing final regulations for the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. This action codifies the prohibitions and management measures set forth in Presidential Proclamation 8031 establishing the monument. The rule is effective immediately. The full text of the regulations can be found here (pdf)

• NOTE: The Notification email address in section 404.4 ("Access to the Monument") of the Monument Regulations is incorrect - please use nwhi.notifications@noaa.gov when providing notice of entry or exit to the Monument.

Click here for more information on applying for a permit to conduct activities within the monument.

Vessel Monitoring System Requirements for vessels issued a permit to operate in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

• THRANE AND THRANE SAILOR 3026D GOLD VMS
• FARIA WATCHDOG 750 VMS

As provided by Presidential Proclamation 8031, all vessels issued permits to operate in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument are required to carry approved Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS). The Federal Register Notices linked above defines the units approved to meet this requirement.

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument Boundary Coordinates

• Coordinates in MS Excel format
• Coordinates in MS Word format
• NWHI MNM map of boundaries and special management areas (PDF, 352 KB)