Stand Up for Papahānaumokuākea: Keep Commercial Fishing Out

What you need to know

Papahānaumokuākea is one of the largest marine protected areas in the world. The refuge spans over 582,000 square miles of Pacific Ocean waters in Hawaiʻi.

These waters are the cosmogonic home of Native Hawaiians, carrying traditional stories and ancestral wisdom, and remain a vital part of our living heritage.

Papahānaumokuākea has received multiple layers of protection, including as a marine national monument and most recently, a national marine sanctuary. The protections deem the area off-limits to industrial extraction, including commercial fishing. But all of this could be at risk if the Trump administration decides to rollback these protections for short-term gain, releasing commercial interests back into this sacred area.

The refuge is home to more than 7,000 species, including vibrant coral reefs, endangered animals, and creatures found nowhere else on Earth. Protecting Papahānaumokuākea is beyond ocean policy — it’s about the kuleana (responsibility) we carry for future generations.

As an area for replenishment, Papahānaumokuākea supports ecosystems not only within its own boundaries, but across the Hawaiian Islands and the broader Pacific. Strong protections boost ecological resilience, help fish populations thrive, and allow fisheries to benefit from spillover effects. 

By standing up for this sanctuary, we protect life above and beneath the waves, honor cultural heritage, and ensure the ocean that connects us all remains healthy and vibrant for future generations.

Why your voice matters

The Trump administration is reviewing the protections of all marine monuments and could open the area to industrial extraction, such as commercial fishing and deep-sea mining.

Papahānaumokuākea is a sacred refuge with irreplaceable cultural and ecological heritage – and the signers of this petition stand as proof that it is a place worthy of protection and preservation.

What happens next?

The Papahānaumokuākea Coalition is closely tracking the administrationʻs review and stands ready to respond. As new developments unfold, we’ll call on you – our community – to take action for these irreplaceable waters.

Together, we can ensure that Papahānaumokuākea remains protected for future generations, honoring ancestral responsibility and safeguarding its unique biodiversity.