Kingman Reef National Wildlife Refuge

Location

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Key Information

TYPE
MPA
DESIGNATION
National Wildlife Refuge
LOCATED IN
PRI
USA
AREA
1,966 km2 MARINE AREA
1,968 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: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Unmodified)

DATA VERSION

2.0

LAST REVIEWED

May 2024

OTHER DATABASES
World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) ID: 300045; 555656021; 555665477

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Purpose

The refuge is a managed as a highly-restricted marine protected area. Less than 5 feet in elevation and one of the most pristine coral reef atoll ecosystems in the Pacific, Kingman Reef lies 932 miles southwest of Hawai‘i. Crystal clear oceanic waters and vibrant coral reefs support a spectacular diversity of corals, algae, fishes, marine mammals, sea turtles and migratory seabirds.

Species of Concern: Corals (Scleractinia)

Regulations Summary

Restrictions

1. Commercial fishing and public uses are prohibited.
2. Fishing is prohibited landward of the 50 fathom curve.
3. 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.
4. Fishing for PRIA bottomfish MUS with bottom trawls and bottom set gillnets is prohibited. Possession of a bottom trawl and bottom set gillnet by any vessel having a permit or otherwise established to be fishing for PRIA bottomfish MUS in the PRIA fishery management area is prohibited.
5. The possession or use of any poisons, explosives, or intoxicating substances for the purpose of harvesting PRIA bottomfish is prohibited.

Allowed

Recreational fishing may be permitted, subject to federal law.