Papahanaumokuakea, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will receive more than 1 million dollars in funding from NOAA and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and another 3 million in matching funds from the grantees. This marine protected area is located northwest of the main Hawaiian islands. The 582,578 square miles of islands, reefs, and atolls protect thousands of species of fish, wildlife, and sharks.
The increase in funding could not have come at a better time for this marine protected area. Hurricane Walaka brought significant destruction to the islands. Also, highly invasive and impactful algae burden the growth of local coral species.
Actions to protect the wildlife at Papahanaumokuakea will address critical management questions from before the increase in funding. Management capacity is set to increase on the islands, while the impacts of marine debris are expected to decrease. A lot of unexplored habitat in this protected area is now on schedule to be characterized. Finally, new innovations will support shared marine and terrestrial goals shared between conservationists.
Grantees featured in the Research and Conservation fund include Oregon State University, Papahanaumokuakea Marine Debris Project, University of Hawaii, the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and the College of Charleston.
More information about the grant can be found on NFWF’s website here
