NOAA seeks public comment on proposed Pacific Remote Islands sanctuary designation
NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has begun the process to consider a national marine sanctuary in and around the waters of the Pacific Remote Islands. Public scoping is the first phase in the designation process, during which the public can comment through June 2 on the scope of issues and impacts to be considered for a proposed sanctuary. Comments may be submitted online, by mail, in person or virtually at public scoping meetings.
The proposed area in the central Pacific Ocean includes marine areas within the existing Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, as well as currently unprotected submerged lands and waters, to the full extent of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, an area totaling about 770,000 square miles. Terrestrial areas are not included in the proposed sanctuary.
The public is invited to comment on the proposed sanctuary designation through June 2, 2023, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal, www.regulations.gov, by searching for docket number NOAA-NOS-2023-0052. Comments may also be mailed if postmarked by June 2, 2023.
NOAA will host in-person public meetings, with an option to join virtually. During the meetings, NOAA will gather input on boundaries, compatible uses, threats a new sanctuary would address, how best to promote marine science and education initiatives and other topics as described in the Notice of Intent that NOAA published in the Federal Register. The input NOAA receives from the public will assist the agency with the preparation and release of draft designation documents, and in formulating alternatives for the draft environmental impact statement.
How to comment
(through June 2, 2023)
Be Heard at Public Comment Meetings (In-person and virtual):
May 10, 2023, 5-7 p.m.: University of Hawaii, Manoa, Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, Halau o Haumea, 2645 Dole St., Honolulu, HI 96822. Participate virtually: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8721345353927114325
May 11, 2023, 5-7 p.m.: Mokupapapa Discovery Center, 76 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo, HI 96720. Participate virtually: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6111517066447333210
Please note that NOAA may be taking audio recordings of the public meetings including the public comment portion of the meetings.
Submit Written Comments Online:
Submit all electronic public comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal, www.regulations.gov. Search for “NOAA-NOS-2023-0052”. Click the “Comment Now!” icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments.
Mailed comments must be postmarked by June 2, 2023. Send comments to:
PRI-Proposed Sanctuary, NOAA/ONMS
c/o Hoku Kaaekuahiwi Pousima
76 Kamehameha Ave.
Hilo, HI 96720
A detailed description of the proposed sanctuary, based on the nomination submitted by the Pacific Remote Islands Coalition, as well as additional information about opportunities to provide comment, can be found at https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/pacific-remote-islands.