Sanctuary Permits

Prohibitions nine through 16 in the Regulations do not apply to any activity conducted under and in accordance with the scope, purpose, terms, and conditions of a sanctuary general permit, or special use permit issued. In no event, may the director issue a national marine sanctuary general permit or special use permit authorizing or otherwise approving activities listed in prohibition 10 for anything other than scientific instruments, when the activity occurs within the Outer Sanctuary Zone.

A permitted research scuba diver with several scuba tanks affixed to his BCD investigates algae on the seafloor
Kānemiloha‘i (French Frigate Shoals) is an open atoll within sanctuary waters consisting of a large, crescent-shaped reef surrounding numerous small, sandy islets. Photo: NOAA

The sanctuary permitting process will be integrated into the existing permitting process for Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. For more information about sanctuary access and permit requirements, please visit the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument permit page.

Non-Commercial Fishing

Prohibitions nine through 12, and 14 do not apply to non-commercial fishing activities in the Outer Sanctuary Zone authorized under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act provided that:

  1. Fish harvested, either in whole or in part, are not intended to enter commerce and shall not enter commerce through sale, barter, or trade, and that the resource is managed sustainably
  2. Fish harvested, either in whole or in part, are not intended to be sold and shall not be sold for any purposes, including, but not limited to, cost-recovery
  3. The activities are only conducted as incidental to and necessary to conduct lawful non-commercial fishing activity

NOAA is preparing a separate proposed rule for regulations governing fishing in the Monument Expansion Area under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act