Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary Final Environmental Impact Statement: Volume II

Papahānaumokuākea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest marine protected areas in the world, is set to be designated as a National Marine Sanctuary by NOAA. This decision aims to recognize its significant biological, cultural, and historical value while ensuring continued protection under the National Marine Sanctuary System. The final environmental impact statement (EIS) evaluates multiple management alternatives for the sanctuary, including the expansion of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Prepared in collaboration with the State of Hawaiʻi and adhering to federal and state environmental laws, this EIS provides a comprehensive framework for safeguarding the region's unique ecosystems. Accompanied by a detailed management plan, it outlines goals, strategies, and actions to preserve this ecologically critical area for future generations.

United States. National Ocean Service. Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. (2024). Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary Final Environmental Impact Statement: Volume II. NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. https://doi.org/10.25923/WGFT-A078