PapahA„A?naumokuA„A?kea Marine National Monument Designated A Particularly Sensitive Sea Area
By Matt J. Weiss, April 5, 2008 @ 02:00 AM (EST)
Source: noaanews.noaa.gov
he fragile and unique marine ecosystems of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands encompassed by the PapahA„A?naumokuA„A?kea Marine National Monument will receive additional protection under a new internationally recognized designation announced today by NOAA.
The designation, which was finalized on Apr. 3 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), declares the waters of the monument a “Particularly Sensitive Sea Area” (PSSA). The designation puts into effect internationally recognized measures designed to protect marine resources of ecological or cultural significance from damage by ships while helping keep mariners safe.
On May 1, special zones known as “Areas to be Avoided” (ATBAs) will appear on international nautical charts to direct ships away from coral reefs, shipwrecks and other ecologically or culturally sensitive areas in the monument PSSA that may also pose a navigation hazard. These zones, which were recently adopted by the IMO, will expand upon the ATBAs previously established in the area.
An IMO-adopted ship reporting system will also go into effect on May 1. Vessels planning to pass through the monument PSSA on their way to or from a U.S. port or place will be required to notify monument managers by reporting into the system. For other vessels transiting the area, reporting will be voluntary but recommended. The reporting system will provide critical alerts and other information to assist mariners in navigating safely through the area.
The designation, which was finalized on Apr. 3 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), declares the waters of the monument a “Particularly Sensitive Sea Area” (PSSA). The designation puts into effect internationally recognized measures designed to protect marine resources of ecological or cultural significance from damage by ships while helping keep mariners safe.
On May 1, special zones known as “Areas to be Avoided” (ATBAs) will appear on international nautical charts to direct ships away from coral reefs, shipwrecks and other ecologically or culturally sensitive areas in the monument PSSA that may also pose a navigation hazard. These zones, which were recently adopted by the IMO, will expand upon the ATBAs previously established in the area.
An IMO-adopted ship reporting system will also go into effect on May 1. Vessels planning to pass through the monument PSSA on their way to or from a U.S. port or place will be required to notify monument managers by reporting into the system. For other vessels transiting the area, reporting will be voluntary but recommended. The reporting system will provide critical alerts and other information to assist mariners in navigating safely through the area.
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