On September 29, Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle signed into effect protections for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands State Marine Refuge. As reported by the Honolulu Advertiser, the refuge extends three miles around Hawaii's northwestern islands and includes only state owned waters. According to new regulations, all commercial and recreational fishing is prohibited in these waters, and entry permits are required for other educational, scientific, and cultural activities. OneWorld adds that Native Hawai'ians can receive permits to fish when it is part of a cultural activity.
A coalition of Native Hawai'ians and environmental organizations, known as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) Coalition and backed by Governor Lingle and Representative Ed Case, now wish to extend the protected area another 50 miles, extending into federal waters and creating the world's largest marine protected area. According to OneWorld, the proposed area includes ancient coral reefs, islands, atolls, and shoals, some of the earliest landmasses to appear in what would later become the Hawai'ian island chain. These landmasses are revered for their cultural value and for their biodiversity.
