Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary
Designated in 2025 as America's 18th national marine sanctuary, Papahānaumokuākea covers 582,570 square miles of Pacific Ocean around Hawaiʻi (NOAA).
Image: NASA (ISS005-E-13929, Pearl and Hermes Atoll, Sept. 12, 2002).
Last reviewed: 4 sources cited
One of the world's largest protected seas sits just northwest of the main Hawaiian Islands.
Wisdom, the Laysan albatross of Midway Atoll, is the oldest known wild bird, at an approximate age of 75 (USFWS).
Source: USFWS, Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (April 2026)
Explain Like I'm 10
- Far out in the ocean past the main Hawaiian islands is a long chain of tiny islands and reefs.
- The United States protects the ocean all around them.
- Millions of seabirds nest there, and it is a sacred place for Native Hawaiians.
The Five W's of Papahānaumokuākea
Who
Three co-trustees and seven co-managing agencies, including NOAA, which runs the sanctuary.
What
The largest marine protected area in the U.S. National Marine Sanctuary System, protecting nature, culture and history.
When
First protected as a marine national monument on June 15, 2006, and designated a national marine sanctuary in 2025.
Where
The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, including Nihoa, Mokumanamana and Midway Atoll.
Why
To protect A community of living things and the place they live, like a reef or a forest, all depending on each other. Glossary health and diversity and the Native Hawaiian cultural significance of the area (Papahānaumokuākea).
Connected Solutions
- Mission Blue Hope Spots Special places in the ocean that people are working to protect.
Impact Statement
Government solution · active
Its reefs are home to over 7,000 marine species, a quarter of them found only in the Hawaiian Archipelago (Papahānaumokuākea).
Source: Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, About
For Further Information: Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, About
Wisdom is estimated to have produced 50 to 60 eggs and 30 chicks that fledged in her lifetime (USFWS).
How This Saves People & the Planet
For People
It became the first mixed natural and cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site in the United States, on July 30, 2010 (Papahānaumokuākea).
Source: Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, About
For Nature
About 14 million seabirds of 22 species breed and nest there, along with endangered Hawaiian monk seals (Papahānaumokuākea).
Support Midway Atoll
Support Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.
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