Hawaii Protects a Marine Treasure

Refuge in Northwest islands' shallow waters is a big win; deep water next

Posted: 07-Oct-2005; Updated: 26-Jul-2007

The world's remaining 1,300 Hawaiian monk seals now have a better chance at survival. The new reserve will preserve lobsters, their key food source. PHOTO: Minden Pictures.

Hawaii's Governor Linda Lingle last month signed sweeping regulations that protect the shallow waters rimming islands and atolls in the huge Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve (NWHI). This far-flung archipelago is home to some of the most pristine coral reefs on earth and rare animals like the Hawaiian monk seal.  

The new 640,000-acre state refuge, which extends three miles offshore, bans fishing and restricts other activities. Native Hawaiians may still carry on traditional fishing 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 Gov. Lingle.

Diverse groups made this victory possible
Environmental Defense scientist Dr. Stephanie Fried worked for years to secure strong protections for the waters of this 1,200-mile string of islands. In a speech announcing the new protections, the governor thanked Fried for her advocacy. Key support also came from the environmental alliance Kahea, and the NWHI hui, a network of Native Hawaiian leaders, fishers and scientists. Over 400 of the world’s leading coral reef scientists asked for the protections, and state and federal officials received more than 100,000 written testimonials on behalf of the islands.

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 Fried. 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 opposes strong protections and even aims to weaken existing safeguards. "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."

How you can help

• Federal protections for the NWHI are under review. Sign up with our Action Network to receive notification of opportunities for public comment.
• To find out more about other ocean issues, visit OceansAlive.org.
• Sign the petition asking President Bush to protect our ocean legacy for future generations.

More about the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

• In-depth story about our role in winning critical safeguards: "Recently imperiled, a slice of paradise is saved: Coalition helps win unprecedented marine refuge in Hawaiian state waters" - Solutions newsletter article (August-September 2005)
• In the News: "Hawaii Governor Safeguards Northwest Hawaiian Islands" - Environment News Service (9/30/2005)and "Fishing banned in NW isles" - Hawaii Star Bulletin (9/30/2005)