Pacific Services Center

Coastal and Marine Resources

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Sustaining coastal habitat, because the coast is highly valued for the services it provides, but is vulnerable to degradation.

A basic philosophy of the indigenous cultures of the Pacific islands is captured in the Chamorro saying, "I kantun tasi ta, i futurata." This saying conveys the sentiment "our coasts are our future." On many Pacific islands, 100% of the land is in the coastal zone, making the connection between land and ocean close and indisputable. The health and vitality of the coastal zone has a direct impact on the lives and livelihoods of the people who live there. PSC embraces this ancient Chamorro saying and is working with its partners to increase public understanding and awareness of coastal habitats and the threats to them in order to protect, enhance, and restore these critical areas.

Coastal Resource Management

Natural resource management issues cannot be separated from human elements such as traditional practices, culture, and economics. PSC therefore, promotes coastal resource management efforts that incorporate both human and environmental factors.

Hawai`i Ocean Resource Management Plan

The Hawai`i Ocean Resources Management Plan (ORMP), adopted in 1994, is a statewide plan mandated by Chapter 205A, Hawai`i Revised Statutes that establishes guiding principles and recommendations for the State of Hawai`i for ocean and coastal resources management. PSC supported the Hawai`i Coastal Zone Management Program through the stakeholder input and the review processes.

U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Meetings

PSC staff and partners from NOAA's Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) and Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R), attended and participated in the past six U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Meetings held in the Pacific Region. The meetings typically include presentations to the Task Force Regional Subcommittee regarding local action strategies developed by each of the U.S. Flag Pacific Islands.

Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program Effectiveness Report to Congress

The Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program was developed by NOAA to respond to the needs of coral reef jurisdictions in developing and implementing coral reef conservation projects and activities. The program allocated grants from 2001 to 2003. PSC worked with NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program to complete a report to Congress to describe the grant activities, highlight achievements, and provide a preliminary effectiveness assessment.

For more information about the Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program Effectiveness Reports, visit: http://www.coralreef.noaa.gov/.

Marine Debris Action Planning

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program (MDP), in partnership with the Pacific Services Center, has been a partner in efforts to combat marine debris in since 2005. Across the Hawaiian Archipelago, a number of efforts are taking place to address the impacts of marine debris. In order to prioritize marine debris issues, coordinate between projects, and create a strategic plan of action, the MDP and PSC supported statewide planning workshops that kicked off in Honolulu in June 2007. From the initial workshop, partnerships were created and a commitment made to develop a Marine Debris Action Plan (HI-MDAP), the first statewide action plan in the nation to comprehensively address the issue of marine debris. The HI-MDAP includes greater coordination among partners, identification of potential avenues for funding, and increased communication. The development and implementation of the HI-MDAP is being supported by the MDP and PSC, with the assistance of the US Environmental Protection Agency. More information is available at http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/projects/himdap.html and http://sites.google.com/site/himdap/.