September 18, 2023 — The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) updated Western Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) members on the process and timeline on decisions regarding the proposed Pacific Remote Islands (PRI) National Marine Sanctuary designation — noting the public comment period garnered approximately 57,000 comments. The topics discussed ranged from support to opposition of the proposed sanctuary with suggestions for regulations, boundaries, opportunities and improvements.
Brady Phillips, ONMS, said the Council’s input would be helpful to draft alternatives to balance the President’s directive to “provide lasting and comprehensive protection” with existing fishing rules and regulations. Phillips noted ONMS is considering all information received to develop a full range of alternatives for the proposed sanctuary.
“I think we need to be honest about what additional regulations would protect,” said University of Washington professor Ray Hilborn. “Nearshore coral reefs are already covered — the real threats aren’t coming from fishing, they are coming from climate change.”
Acting SSC Chair Erik Franklin noted that on the mainland United States, sanctuaries are viewed as multi-use zones, including fishing, and questioned the difference in the Pacific Islands Region.