The following activities are prohibited in Papahānaumokuākea:

• Exploring for, developing, or producing oil, gas, or minerals within the Monument;
• Using or attempting to use poisons, electrical charges, or explosives in the collection or harvest of a Monument resource;
• Introducing or otherwise releasing an introduced species from within or into the Monument; and
• Anchoring on or having a vessel anchored on any living or dead coral with an anchor, anchor chain, or anchor rope.

The following activities are exempted from Papahānaumokuākea's permitting program:

• Response to emergencies threatening life, property, or the environment;
• Law Enforcement activities;
• Activities and exercises of the Armed Forces (including the United States Coast Guard); and
• Passage without interruption. (For notification requirements when passing through the Monument, please click here.)

The following activities are regulated through the Monument's permitting process:

• Further the understanding of Monument resources and qualities through research;
• Further the educational value of the Monument;
• Assist in the conservation and management of the Monument;
• Allow Native Hawaiian practices;
• Allow a special ocean use;
• Allow recreational activities within the Midway Atoll Special Management Area.