1.1.1 There are limited maritime activities conducted
in the waters of the NWHI, undoubtedly due to the islands’ remote
location and harsh environmental conditions for human activities.
Pursuant to the Presidential Proclamation of June 15, 2006, most domestic
activities within NWHI waters are prohibited or strictly regulated.
Public access to the land portions of the NWHI has for many years
been allowed by permit only, except for Midway Atoll, and permits
are issued only for research and Native Hawaiian cultural activities.
The maritime activities in this area are primarily research and management,
fishing, cultural practices, and recreation. Research activities include
assessment, long-term monitoring of resources, impacts and threats
from human activities, and protection and conservation of NWHI resources.
An estimated four million dollars are spent annually on research and
management of the area. There are eight remaining commercial fishing
permits in the NWHI, although the Presidential Proclamation and codifying
regulations require closure of the fishery five years from the date
of the Proclamation. Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners voyage
to the NWHI to honour their ancestors and perpetuate traditional practices.
Current tourism and recreational activities are limited to Midway
Atoll and, under the Proclamation, a permit is now required. The extent
to which ocean tourism and recreation occurs in the NWHI is unknown,
but it appears to be extremely low. These activities may include wildlife
watching, diving and snorkelling, charter fishing, and tour boats.
Additionally, a management plan for tourism to the historic World
War II location and military heritage sites on Midway Atoll is currently
being developed and up to three cruise ships may visit the island
each year.