NOAA marine sanctuary meetings set

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is proposing to create a national marine sanctuary to protect marine life and ecosystems along the Northwestern Hawaiian islands.

NOAA is proposing the designation of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve as a sanctuary to bring about implementation of detailed management of the area, preserving “biological, historical and cultural resources” for future generations.

If approved, the plan would protect about 70 percent of the nation’s coral reef. The area consists of about 1,200 miles of islets.

“Its a great opportunity to safeguard this vibrant coral reef ecosystem for long-term environmental and economic benefits,” said retired Navy VADM Conrad Lautenbacher, undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.

If created, the sanctuary would become the nation’s 14th marine sanctuary.

A public meeting is scheduled at 6 p.m. on April 16 at the Radisson Kauai Beach Resort. Similar meetings are planned statewide throughout April.

The plan calls for:

– Initialing a process for the sanctuary, first though public meetings that NOAA hopes will generate comments that will help guide the drafting of management plans.

– Issuing a reserve operation plan that addresses priority issues such as marine debris, cultural resources and enforcement.

– Initialing a plan to foster use of the reef in an ecologically and culturally sensitive way. This phase proposes “no-take” marine-protected areas, special permits, restriction on certain fishing equipment, including prohibition of nighttime spearfishing around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, and the U.S. Pacific Island areas, and that fishing boats must carry insurance for transiting the area.

– Prohibiting the harvesting of precious corals. Regulations are planned to become effective April 17.