NOAA Protects Vast Papahānaumokuākea Ocean Sanctuary with New Rules
Published Date: 3/24/2025
Rule
Summary
NOAA officially made Papahānaumokuākea a National Marine Sanctuary on March 3, 2025, protecting this special ocean area. This means new rules are in place to keep the waters and wildlife safe, affecting anyone who visits or works there. The changes help preserve nature while supporting responsible use, with no surprise costs for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Sanctuary designation effective March 3, 2025
NOAA officially designated Papahānaumokuākea as a National Marine Sanctuary by a final rule published January 16, 2025. The designation and its regulations became effective on March 3, 2025, creating a new legal status for that ocean area.
New rules affect visitors and workers
New regulations are now in place for Papahānaumokuākea that protect the waters and wildlife and apply to anyone who visits or works in the sanctuary. The rule text says these changes help preserve nature while supporting responsible use, and they state there will be no surprise costs for the public.
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Key Dates
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