This week, we dive into the history, biodiversity, and political drama surrounding Papahānaumokuākea, the largest marine protected area in the world, and how it’s currently under threat from commercial fishing. From sea turtles and monk seals to shady loopholes and the “BBB”, we unpack what’s at stake and how you can help protect one of the most sacred and biodiverse places on Earth.
References:
What is a marine national monument? (n.d.-b). https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/marine-monument.html
Wikipedia contributors. (2025, August 1). Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papah%C4%81naumoku%C4%81kea_Marine_National_Monument
Hitt, C. (2025, July 3). “A second attack”: Northwestern Hawaiian Islands protections are on the line. SF Gate. https://www.sfgate.com/hawaii/article/northwestern-hawaii-islands-protections-fishing-20416243.php
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. (n.d.). https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/
Fisheries, N. (n.d.). Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. NOAA. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/pacific-islands/habitat-conservation/papahanaumokuakea-marine-national-monument
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. (n.d.-b). https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/marine-managed-areas/papahanaumokuakea-marine-national-monument/
Yang, M. (2025, April 27). Trump order to loosen fishing regulations poses major risks, experts warn. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/27/trump-fishing-regulation-order-pacific-islands
Environmentalists’ lawsuit challenges Trump’s order to allow commercial fishing in Pacific monument | AP News. (2025, May 24). AP News. https://apnews.com/article/trump-pacific-commercial-fishing-lawsuit-0604eb44330db1098d035d7af8180724
Island, G. (2020, August 5). Papahanaumokuakea reaches milestone. The Garden Island. https://www.thegardenisland.com/2020/08/05/hawaii-news/papahanaumokuakea-reaches-milestone/Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. (2019, September 10). Beachcombing Magazine. https://www.beachcombingmagazine.com/blogs/news/papahanaumokuakea-marine-national-monument?srsltid=AfmBOorK9aqUJrdRg_d-uoJT-MSF59GcfOZbx9Na0zrGPr6uuHwByZKP
Coast Files Podcast 