Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge

Location

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Key Information

TYPE
MPA
DESIGNATION
National Wildlife Refuge
LOCATED IN
PRI
USA
AREA
1,738 km2 MARINE AREA
1,745 km2 TOTAL AREA i
MANAGED BY
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
LEVEL OF FISHING PROTECTION (LFP)
Several species- or gear-specific restrictions apply, or:
  • Commercial marine life removal is prohibited
  • Both commercial and recreational marine life removal are heavily restricted
  • Recreational marine life removal is prohibited, and commercial marine life removal is restricted
DATA SOURCE(S)

Boundary: NOAA MPA Center (Unmodified)

DATA VERSION

2.0

LAST REVIEWED

May 2024

OTHER DATABASES
World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) ID: 555665474; 555656013; 2931

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Purpose

The refuge is a managed as a highly-restricted marine protected area. Jarvis Island is the crest of an ancient coral reef cap and massive underlying extinct volcano, emerging from the deep ocean floor of the equatorial Pacific. Large numbers of manta rays are found off the southeast terrace, and sea turtles are also abundant.

Species of Concern: Multiple

Regulations Summary

Restrictions

Commercial fishing is prohibited. Fishing is prohibited landward of the 50 fathom curve. PRIA coral reef ecosystem MUS may not be taken by means of spearfishing with SCUBA at night (from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.) in the EEZ.

Allowed

1. Recreational fishing may be permitted, subject to federal law.
2. If fishing is permitted, coral reef ecosystem MUS may be taken only with the following allowable gear and methods: (1) Hand harvest; (2) Spear; (3) Slurp gun; (4) Hand net/dip net; (5) Hoop net for Kona crab; (6) Throw net;(7) Barrier net; (8) Surround/purse net that is attended at all times; (9) Hook-and-line (includes handline (powered or not), rod-and-reel, and trolling); (10) Crab and fish traps with vessel ID number affixed; and (11) Remote-operating vehicles/submersibles.

Governing Regulations