Sanctuary Designation - Hilo Comments

Scoping Meeting Comments
Washington, D.C.,
Department of Commerce Bldg., Rm 1414
Thursday, April 11, 2002 1:00 p.m.

Please note that these are the raw comments extracted from the scoping meeting held at the location listed above. They were edited for the purpose of clarity where necessary. Duplicate comments were not repeated. A synthesis of comments will be available soon.

(MHI) Main Hawaiian Islands
(NWHI) Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

• Comprehensive, long-term conservation should be a priority of the proposed NWHI sanctuary.
• Precautionary approach should be used at all times in resource protection.
• Executive Order established a network of no-take zones, which need to be fully implemented.
• Sustained, well-managed continuance of commercial fisheries.
• Through process, should be an examination of state waters as well to be included within Sanctuary boundaries.
• Existing fisheries should be grand fathered in at existing levels. Continuance of fisheries must be based on an ecosystem approach.
• Reserve Advisory Council should transition to Sanctuary Advisory Council, pursuant to National Marine Sanctuaries Act amendments.
• If advisory council is established, science-based management process should be incorporated along with citizen participation.
• Enforcement and monitoring regime should be put in place for Reserve, but Sanctuary needs to look at long-term enforcement strategy
• No-take zone should run throughout the Sanctuary with exception of Grand fathered fisheries. Include all consumptive uses except for research activity and cultural practices.
• During 5-year review of Sanctuary, all regulations should be thoroughly examined by NOAA to see if new data warrants changing the regulations and management of the Sanctuary.
• Western Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Council has developed regulations in Coral Reef Management Plan that look at permitting for research and cultural activities. Sanctuary should look closely at Ecosystem Management Plan in developing their Sanctuary Management Plan.
• Require vessel-monitoring systems for all commercial fishing vessels to facilitate enforcement and safety (i.e. reducing the number of groundings). Require liability insurance for all commercial fishing vessels and consider insurance for other vessels as well.
• When establishing closed areas, examine impact closures will have in causing fishermen to focus their efforts in fewer areas at higher concentrations. Avoid overfishing in remaining open areas.
• Need strong protections along sanctuary boundaries for marine life from affects of military activity (sonar, etc.)
• Should be significant sanctions for violations of sanctuary regulations (such as those used in Florida Keys NMS).
• Sanctuary should work to minimize cruise ship impacts (i.e. anchoring, discharges) through specific regulations and zoning.
• Any form of deep-sea dumping should be carefully regulated or possibly prohibited.
• Invasive species threats need to be minimized from threats in ballast water and marine debris (i.e. fish nets).
• Require off shore exchange of ballast water
• Continue multi-agency effort to remove marine debris
• Sanctuary should implement provisions of Executive Order to prohibit bioprospecting, aquarium trade or other fisheries not explicitly mentioned in Executive Order.
• Also prohibit mining of coral sand, live rock and other minerals.
• Consider prohibiting carbon sequestration dumping.
• Western Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Council also considered in ecosystem management plan.
• Research activities should be permitted.
• Penalty fees that are collected should stay with the site and not go to NOAA.

For more information contact the Reserve office at:

Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve
Sean Corson, Sanctuary Designation Coordinator
6700 Kalanianaole Hwy, #215
Honolulu, HI 96825
(808)397-2668
sean.corson@noaa.gov