Vol. 8 (2): December 2005

Marine refuge in NWHI’s shallow waters is a big win; deep water next

In late September, Hawaii’s Governor Linda Lingle signed sweeping rules that protect the shallow state waters surrounding islands and atolls in the vast Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) archipelago. This far-flung archipelago is home to some of the most pristine coral reefs on earth and is the location of the main breeding grounds for the highly endangered Hawaiian monk seal.

The new 640,000-acre state refuge, which extends three miles offshore, bans commercial and recreational fishing from all state waters of the 1,200 mile long NWHI archipelago and sharply restricts other activities while providing explicit recognition for Native Hawaiian traditional cultural and subsistence practices. “These rules set in motion the most significant marine conservation initiative in the history of Hawaii by creating the state’s largest marine refuge,” said Governor Lingle.

Diverse groups made this victory possible: In a speech announcing the new protections, the governor thanked Environmental Defense, Kahea and other organizations for their advocacy and leadership with the broad network of Native Hawaiian leaders, fishers and scientists who pushed for strong protections. She described the pivotal meeting with fishers and Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners that Environmental Defense had arranged for her in 2001, introducing her to importance of establishing strong protections for the NWHI. Over the past five years, state and federal officials have received more than 100,000 written testimonials in support of the strong conservation measures for the islands. In addition, Environmental Defense collected signatures from over 400 of the world’s leading coral reef scientists in support of strong protections for the NWHI.

Next, extend protection to deeper water: “Governor Lingle’s signing of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Refuge protections is one of the most visionary acts of environmental protection ever undertaken by a state government,” said Stephanie Fried, an Oahu-based senior scientist with Environmental Defense. The governor’s support did not stop there. Lingle also called for closing all federal waters to fishing, which would create the world’s largest marine protected area where fishing is not allowed.

Federal protections for the 84-million-acre NWHI are under review. The Western Pacific fishery management council (Wespac) opposes strong protections and even aims to weaken existing safeguards for federal waters. “We urge the federal government to respond to the public input and the bold steps taken by Gov. Lingle and provide equally stringent protections for federal waters,” said Fried.  ”To do otherwise would be irresponsible.”

Peter Young, chairman of the state’s Board of Land and Natural Resources, said: “As one of the last pristine wilderness locations on earth, it is only right to consider the long-term preservation of this area and strive to have one place that is free from extraction.” – Environmental Defense.

How you can help: Federal protections for the NWHI are currently under review and Wespac has launched a vigorous campaign to weaken protections. Sign up with the Environmental Defense Action Network to receive notification of opportunities for public comment. http://actionnetwork.org/EDF_Action_Network/home.html

More about the new Northwestern Hawaiian Islands State Refuge:

Hawaii Governor Safeguards Northwest Hawaiian Islands. Environment News Service, 30/09/2005.

Fishing banned in NW isles. Hawaii Star Bulletin, 30/09/2005.

Governor’s press release on new NWHI refuge: http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/chair/pio/HtmlNR/05-N99.htm

Marine Mammal Commission report

The Marine Mammal Commission’s Annual Report to Congress for 2004 was published shortly after we went to press in May. For those interested in current Hawaiian monk seal population trends, human and natural threats to the species, the future of the Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve, and efforts to encourage Monachus schauinslandi’s repopulation of the Main Hawaiian Islands, the MMC report is an indispensable guide.

The report is available for download from the Monk Seal Library:

Marine Mammal Commission. 2005. Annual Report to Congress, 2004. Marine Mammal Commission, Bethesda, Maryland: 1-163. [PDF 2.1MB]

Copyright © 2005 The Monachus Guardian. All Rights Reserved