Outstanding Natural and Cultural Values of the Sanctuary

Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary holds national significance as a site sacred to Native Hawaiians, that delivers vital ecosystem services locally and globally. The sanctuary was designated to protect nationally-significant biological, cultural, and historical resources, and to manage this special place as part of the National Marine Sanctuary System.

Natural Resources

a cluster of many large, puffy, white tubular structures in a deep, dark ocean — The largest known marine sponge was discovered in 2015 by NOAA during an expedition to Papahānaumokuākea at a depth of 7,000 feet. The sponge was roughly the size of a minivan, measuring 11.5 feet long, 6.5 feet wide, and 4.9 feet high. Photo: NOAA

fish swimming over coral — This small colony of cauliflower coral (*Pocillopora meandrina*), located in Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Sanctuary at Kānemiloha‘i (French Frigate Shoals), hosts more than a hundred endemic Hawaiian domino damselfish (*Dascyllus albisella*, ‘alo’ilo’i). Photo: Lindsey Kramer/USFWS

Papahānaumokuākea's marine habitat comprises interconnected ecosystems such as coral islands; the majority of U.S. coral reefs, deeper reef habitat featuring seamounts, banks, and shoals; mesophotic coral ecosystems with extensive algal beds; pelagic waters connected to the greater North Pacific Ocean; and deep-sea habitats reaching 16,404 feet (5,000 meters) in depth.

These connected ecosystems provide essential habitats for rare species such as the threatened green sea turtle and 20 species of whales and dolphins protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, as well as habitat for more than 14 million seabirds that forage in the pelagic waters to nourish the chicks they are raising on the tiny islets. At least a quarter of the nearly 7,000 known marine species found in the region are endemic (found nowhere else on Earth), such as the Hawaiian monk seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi), masked angelfish (Genicanthus personatus), and lobed coral (Porites lobata).

Native Hawaiian Culture

Papahānaumokuākea is sacred to Kānaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiians), who regard the islands and wildlife as kūpuna, or ancestors. The region holds deep cosmological and traditional significance to the people of Hawaiʻi and the Native Hawaiian culture, and contains numerous well-preserved archaeological sites found on the islands of Nihoa and Mokumanamana, both of which are on the National Register of Historic Places and Hawai‘i Register of Historic Places. Papahānaumokuākea is as much a spiritual space as it is a physical geographical area, rooted deep in Native Hawaiian creation and settlement stories (Add link). The cultural significance of this area to Native Hawaiians as well as linkages to early Polynesian culture deserves protection, understanding, and appreciation. Native Hawaiians actively use the national marine sanctuary for cultural practices, including traditional voyaging, kilo (Indigenous observational science), and sustenance fishing.

Maritime Heritage

remnants of a ship on the seafloor — The naval vessel USS *Macaw* ran aground at Midway Atoll in 1944 while attempting to rescue a nearby submarine. The wreck lies within the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: Robert Schwemmer/NOAA

Papahānaumokuākea is also a place of great historical significance. The sanctuary includes the location of the Battle of Midway, a turning point in World War II for the allies in the Pacific. Research indicates that 60 to 80 sunken military vessels and hundreds of sunken aircraft are scattered across the seafloor. In addition to Navy steamers and aircraft, there are whaling ships, ancient Japanese sailing ships (junks), motorized East Asian style fishing vessels (Hawaiian fishing sampans), Pacific colliers, and other vessels from the 19th and 20th centuries.