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Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary Act (Subtitle C - Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale Sanctuary, of the Oceans Act of 1992).

Country/Territory
United States of America
Document type
Legislation
Date
1992
Source
FAO, FAOLEX
Original source
Public Law 102-587, pp. 5055-5059.
Subject
Wild species & ecosystems
Keyword
Protected area Management/conservation Marine mammals Ecosystem preservation Education Traditional rights/customary rights Monitoring Protection of species
Geographical area
Americas, Arctic, East Pacific, North America, North Atlantic
Abstract

This Act is based upon the following Congressional findings: the marine areas surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands, essential for the endangered humpback whale, are subject to damage and loss of their ecological integrity; existing State and Federal regulatory and management programmes applicable to these marine areas are inadequate; their designation as a national marine sanctuary is necessary for the preservation and protection of this important national marine resource. The purposes of this Act are to protect humpback whales and their habitat, educate the public, manage human uses of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary designated under the Act, and provide for the identification of marine resources and ecosystems of national significance for possible inclusion in this Sanctuary. This Sanctuary is designated and described under the Act, and required to be depicted on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration charts. This designation will not take effect in the area of the Sanctuary lying within the seaward boundary of the State of Hawaii if the Governor of Hawaii certifies an objection to that effect within 45 days after the Act is enacted. Not later than 18 months after enactment, the Secretary of Commerce shall, with public participation and appropriate governmental consultation, develop and issue a comprehensive management plan and implementing regulations.

Full text
English