Marine Protected Areas in
Hawai'i
|
In the state of Hawai'i there are two
major types of MPAs: Marine Life Conservation Districts (MLCDs)
and Fishery Management Areas (FMAs).
-
MLCDs
were designed to conserve and replenish marine resources and usually allow only
limited fishing and other consumptive uses. They provide fish and other aquatic
life with a protected area in which to grow and reproduce, and are home to a
great variety of species. Fishes in most MLCDs are fairly tame and often show
little fear of humans. MLCDs are most popular as sites for snorkeling, diving
and underwater photography. MLCDs were introduced to Hawai'i in the fall of 1967
with Hanauma Bay on Oahu. The resulting increase in fish populations was
phenomenal, and the bay has become world famous. At the present time there are
ten MLCDs statewide.
-
FMAs, in
contrast, are areas the are more narrowly managed, often prohibiting only a
single type of activity such as gill netting, or several activities.
Other MPAs include Natural Reserve
Areas, refuges, and the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
The descriptions of many of the MPAs
below was taken from the Division of
Aquatic Resources publications: Hawai'i Fishing Regulations and Marine
Life Conservation Districts. See these publications for additional information.
Also
see the Hawaiian
Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
which surrounds parts of the islands of Maui, Molokai'i, Lana'i and Kaua'i
|
