Q – Why were the Monuments established and what are the benefits?
A – The Monuments were created to protect the abundant and diverse coral, fish, and seabird populations; to facilitate exploration and scientific research and to promote public education regarding the value of these national treasures. The establishment of the Monuments provides the opportunity to protect areas of outstanding scientific, cultural, conservation and aesthetic value, and provide for the long-term persistence of these natural and cultural legacies. By designing these areas of the Pacific Ocean as Marine National Monuments, the United States ensures that the marine environments receive the highest level of environmental recognition and conservation.
Q – How were the Monuments established?
A – Under the Antiquities Act of 1906, the President is authorized to reserve lands and waters of the United States as National Monuments.
Q – What is a Marine Protected Area?
A – Marine Protected Area, often referred to as an MPA is a general term describing an area of the marine environment with some level of protection. MPA Executive order 13158 defines an MPA as:Â
“.. any area of the marine environment that has been reserved by federal, state, territorial, tribal, or local laws or regulations to provide lasting protection for part or all of the natural and cultural resources therein.”Â
In practice, MPAs are defined areas where natural and/or cultural resources are given greater protection than the surrounding waters. In the U.S., MPAs span a range of habitats including the open ocean, coastal areas, inter-tidal zones, estuaries and the Great Lakes. They vary widely in purpose, legal authorities, agencies, management approaches, level of protection and restrictions on human uses.
Q – What is the difference between a National Marine Sanctuary and a Marine National Monument?
A – The main difference between National Marine Sanctuaries and Marine National Monuments is the designation process and the laws under which they are established. Sanctuaries are designated by the Secretary of Commerce, through NOAA, under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA). The NMSA requires extensive public process, local community engagement, stakeholder involvement and citizen participation, both prior to and following designation.
Monuments are designated by Presidential Proclamation, via the Antiquities Act of 1906. The Act is straightforward, and provides broad power to set aside public areas for protection, and requires no public process. However the public is able to provide input through the National Environmental Policy Act process and NOAA encourages public input during the development of management plans.
Q – What is the difference between a Marine Protected Area and a Monument?
A – A Marine National Monument is a type of Marine Protected Area designated by Presidential Proclamation.
Q – What funding is available for research within the Monuments?
A – NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office announces annual funding competitions, including the Marine National Monuments Grant Competition.
Have a deep understanding of the ocean and how it is important to our islands and culture?
Have a willingness to share your skills and knowledge with our youth regarding ocean conservation?
Have an interest in providing information about customs, beliefs, and practices that are tied to our ocean?
Want to work with middle school and college students?
Value a learning exchange with our youth about how science compares with traditional knowledge?
Is there an opportunity for you to make a difference in the organization?
Are you interested in advancing a cause you are passionate about?
What type of volunteer work is most fulfilling for you?
How much time can you devote to board work?
Are you able and willing to assist a non-profit organization with fundraising?
Are you patient and collegial when working as a team? Are you looking forward to meeting people outside of your usual professional and social circles?
Do you understand the roles and responsibilities of being a board member?
