A massive marine protected area in Hawaii is now officially a national marine sanctuary

The US government has finalized the designation of Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary. This means the existing protections for the remote Hawaiian islands and waters are now permanent under federal law.

The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument was established in 2006 and expanded in 2016, making it one of the largest marine protected areas in the world. This new designation as a National Marine Sanctuary adds another layer of legal protection, making it much harder to reverse future administrations. It locks in conservation for a vast area of ocean, protecting critical habitats and cultural sites.