Report on Fishing Activities and Sustainable Development Goals in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

Introduction

Longline and shortline fishing activities at Pier 38 highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the reopening of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument to commercial fishing. This monument, located approximately 155 miles northwest of the main Hawaiian Islands, is a critical habitat for thousands of marine species and holds significant cultural value for Native Hawaiians.

Background and Current Developments

1. Fishing Practices and History
   • James Shane, a shortline fisherman since 1984, has primarily targeted big-eye tuna but historically fished snapper within the monument’s waters for 30 years.
   • The monument has been under a nearly 16-year ban on commercial fishing, expanded under former President Obama to protect marine biodiversity.
2. Policy Changes and Management
   • On June 11, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (Westpac) voted to recommend lifting the fishing ban.
   • President Trump’s April 17 proclamation and Executive Order 1426 initiated reviews of marine national monuments, including Papahānaumokuākea.
   • Potential reopening could allow commercial fishing by the end of the year, pending final assessments and approvals.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Emphasis

SDG 14: Life Below Water

• The monument protects approximately 7,000 marine species, including 23 endangered species, aligning with SDG 14 targets to conserve and sustainably use oceans and marine resources.
• Fishing restrictions aim to maintain marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.
• Monitoring technologies such as onboard cameras and satellite tracking support sustainable fishing practices and compliance.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Hawaii’s longline fleet holds Marine Stewardship Council certification, reflecting sustainable fishing and responsible resource management.
• Efforts to reduce bycatch and protect endangered species contribute to sustainable production patterns.

SDG 15: Life on Land (Cultural and Environmental Integration)

• The monument is co-managed by multiple agencies, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, integrating cultural heritage and environmental stewardship.
• Respect for Native Hawaiian cultural values and the ahupua‘a system promotes harmony between human activity and natural ecosystems.

Cultural Significance and Community Perspectives

• Native Hawaiians regard the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands as sacred, with deep cultural connections expressed through the Kumulipo creation chant.
• The Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group advises on permitting and management to ensure cultural values are upheld.
• Concerns exist about the compatibility of commercial fishing with traditional Hawaiian practices and the principle of reciprocity in resource management.
• Westpac emphasizes the monument as U.S. exclusive economic zone waters, advocating for economic opportunities for local fishers while maintaining some fishing restrictions near the islands.

Environmental and Economic Considerations

1. Fishing Industry Impact
   • Hawaii’s longline fleet contributes significantly to the local economy and food supply, with 80% of catch sold locally.
   • Scientific monitoring indicates no significant difference in tuna catch inside versus outside the monument, suggesting dynamic fish movement patterns.
2. Environmental Concerns
   • Potential bycatch includes seabirds, turtles, monk seals, and sharks, which hold cultural and ecological importance.
   • Derelict fishing gear accumulation poses ongoing environmental challenges.
   • Environmental advocates and Native Hawaiian leaders express concerns about stewardship and the long-term impact of commercial fishing.

Future Outlook and Recommendations

• Westpac is preparing a comprehensive assessment for the U.S. Department of Commerce, with no guaranteed outcome on reopening the monument.
• Stakeholder engagement, including cultural, environmental, and fishing communities, remains critical to balanced decision-making.
• Adherence to sustainable fishing practices and respect for cultural values are essential to achieving SDGs related to ocean conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and cultural heritage preservation.
• Monitoring and enforcement mechanisms should be strengthened to ensure compliance and minimize environmental impacts.

Conclusion

The debate over reopening the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument to commercial fishing encapsulates the complex interplay between economic development, cultural heritage, and environmental sustainability. Aligning fishing practices with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), is vital for the long-term health of marine ecosystems and the cultural integrity of Native Hawaiian communities. Ongoing dialogue and science-based management will be key to achieving these objectives.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Focus on marine conservation, sustainable fishing, and protection of marine biodiversity in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.
   • Issues of overfishing, endangered species protection, and marine ecosystem health are central to the article.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Commercial fishing as a food source for Hawaii, supporting local food security and livelihoods.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Emphasis on sustainable fishing practices, certification by Marine Stewardship Council, and monitoring fishing activities.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Protection of culturally significant lands and waters (Native Hawaiian cultural values and sacred sites).
5. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Consideration of Native Hawaiian cultural rights and inclusion in decision-making processes.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.4: Effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
   • Target 14.5: Conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law.
   • Target 14.7: Increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from sustainable use of marine resources.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: Double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, including fishers.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.6: Encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices and sustainability reporting.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
5. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 14 Indicators
   • Indicator 14.4.1: Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels (implied by monitoring catch reports and fish populations).
   • Indicator 14.5.1: Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas (implied by the status and management of marine national monuments).
   • Use of satellite tracking and onboard cameras to monitor fishing activities as a measure of compliance and sustainability.
2. SDG 2 Indicators
   • Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry/fishery enterprise size (implied by fishers’ catch data and economic viability).
3. SDG 12 Indicators
   • Indicator 12.6.1: Number of companies publishing sustainability reports (implied by Marine Stewardship Council certification and monitoring practices).
4. SDG 15 Indicators
   • Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area (cultural and environmental protection of land and marine ecosystems implied).
5. SDG 10 Indicators
   • Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50% of median income, by sex, age and persons with disabilities (implied by discussion of Native Hawaiian inclusion and economic opportunities).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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