The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is the single largest
conservation area under the U.S. flag, and the largest marine conservation
area in the world. It encompasses 137,792 square miles of the Pacific
Ocean - an area larger than all the country's national parks combined.
The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument was created by Presidential
proclamation on June 15, 2006.
“The vibrant beauty of the oceans is a blessing to our country. And
it's a blessing to the world. The oceans contain countless natural
treasures. They carry much of our trade; they provide food and recreation
for billions of people. We have a responsibility, a solemn responsibility,
to be good stewards of the oceans and the creatures who inhabit them.
In 2004, my administration released an ocean action plan to promote
an ethic of responsible use and stewardship for our oceans and coastal
resources. By establishing this new National Monument, we implement
an important part of our plan…”
President George W. Bush
June 15, 2006
Designation of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National
Monument