The expansion of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, surrounding the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, is one of the largest conservation actions in history. The monument is now the largest protected area in the world—almost four times as large as California—measuring a total of 582,578 square miles.
Papahānaumokuākea also happens to be one of the most biologically and culturally significant places on the planet. The expansion not only creates a safe zone for the replenishment of tuna stocks and promotes biodiversity—it gives Native Hawaiians a greater voice in managing this precious resource.
For more information about the newly expanded Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument visit: www.pewtrusts.org/hawaii2016.