DeFacto Marine Protected Areas in Hawaiian Waters

Metadata:

• Identification_Information
• Spatial_Data_Organization_Information
• Spatial_Reference_Information
• Entity_and_Attribute_Information
• Distribution_Information
• Metadata_Reference_Information

Identification_Information:

Citation:

Citation_Information:

Title: DeFacto Marine Protected Areas in Hawaiian Waters

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: vector digital data

Description:

Abstract:

These data provide the spatial boundaries of DeFacto Marine Protected Areas in Hawaiian waters. Downloaded from NOAA De Facto Marine Protected Areas website (https://marineprotectedareas.noaa.gov/dataanalysis/defacto/) by Hawaii Statewide GIS staff, Mar 10, 2025. Projected to Hawaii Statewide GIS standard projection (Nad 83 UTM Zone 4, HARN) and clipped to Hawaii and the Pacific. DFMPAs cover 3% of the U.S. waters, (0-200 nautical miles offshore), which includes the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Territorial Sea, and state waters. DFMPAs range in size from less than one acre to more than 40,000 km2, though the vast majority is at the smaller end of this spectrum. Most of the small sites were created to provide places for vessels to anchor safely. Most of the large sites provide dedicated training and operation areas for various branches of the U.S. military, or facilitate the transfer of oil and gas to moored tanker vessels. Visit https://marineprotectedareas.noaa.gov/dataanalysis/defacto/ for more information about this layer, and https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inport/item/41962 for information about layer attributes. Also see https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/op/gis/data/MPA_noaa_de_facto.pdf or contact the Hawaii Statewide GIS Program, Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, State of Hawaii; PO Box 2359, Honolulu, Hi. 96804; (808) 587-2846; email: gis@hawaii.gov; Website: https://planning.hawaii.gov/gis.

Purpose:

As a first step towards creating a national system, the National Marine Protected Areas Center (MPA Center) is synthesizing information on all existing place-based marine spatial management efforts in the country, including those that were not implemented specifically for conservation purposes. This report gives the first nation-wide view of the number, size, type, and purpose of DFMPAs in the United States. It answers the question, How many DFMPAs exist in the United States, and how are they currently being used?

Status:

Progress: Complete

Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: None planned

Spatial_Domain:

Bounding_Coordinates:

West_Bounding_Coordinate: -160.596577

East_Bounding_Coordinate: -154.989963

North_Bounding_Coordinate: 22.107267

South_Bounding_Coordinate: 19.722176

Keywords:

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: None

Theme_Keyword: Marine Protected Areas

Theme_Keyword: DeFacto MPAs

Theme_Keyword: Hawaii

Access_Constraints: None

Use_Constraints: The data are not to be used for navigation.

Point_of_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Data_Set_Credit:

NOAA, National Ocean Service, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, Marine Protected Areas Center

Native_Data_Set_Environment: Version 6.2 (Build 9200) ; Esri ArcGIS 10.9.1.28388

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:

Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Vector

Point_and_Vector_Object_Information:

SDTS_Terms_Description:

SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: GT-polygon composed of chains

Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 31

Spatial_Reference_Information:

Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:

Planar:

Map_Projection:

Map_Projection_Name: NAD 1983 HARN UTM Zone 4N

Transverse_Mercator:

Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.9996

Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -159.0

Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0.0

False_Easting: 500000.0

False_Northing: 0.0

Planar_Coordinate_Information:

Planar_Coordinate_Encoding_Method: coordinate pair

Coordinate_Representation:

Abscissa_Resolution: 0.0001

Ordinate_Resolution: 0.0001

Planar_Distance_Units: meter

Geodetic_Model:

Horizontal_Datum_Name: D North American 1983 HARN

Ellipsoid_Name: GRS 1980

Semi-major_Axis: 6378137.0

Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.257222101

Entity_and_Attribute_Information:

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label: MPA_noaa_de_facto

Entity_Type_Definition: Database of defacto MPA geospatial data

Entity_Type_Definition_Source: MPAC

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: OBJECTID

Attribute_Definition: Internal feature number.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Shape

Attribute_Definition: Feature geometry.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Coordinates defining the features.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Site_Name

Attribute_Definition: Name of the Site

Attribute_Definition_Source: Managing Agency

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: n/a

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Site_Type

Attribute_Definition: Type of DFMPA

Attribute_Definition_Source: MPAC

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Anchorage Ground

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Anchorage Ground

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Danger Zone

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Danger Zone

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Lightering Zone

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Lightering Zone

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Prohibited Area

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Prohibited Area

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Regulated Navigation Area

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Regulated Navigation Area

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Restricted Area

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Restricted Area

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Safety Zone

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Safety Zone

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Security Zone

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Security Zone

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Shipping Safety Anchorage Area

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Shipping Safety Anchorage Area

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Shipping Safety Fairway

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Shipping Safety Fairway

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Special Anchorage Area

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Special Anchorage Area

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Traffic Separation Scheme

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Traffic Separation Scheme

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Vessel Traffic Service

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Vessel Traffic Service

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Vessel Traffic Service Precautionary Area

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Vessel Traffic Service Precautionary Area

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Vessel Traffic Service Special Area

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Vessel Traffic Service Special Area

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Region

Attribute_Definition: Marine Region

Attribute_Definition_Source: MPAC

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: AK

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Alaska

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: CB

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Caribbean

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: GL

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Great Lakes

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: GM

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Gulf of Mexico

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: PI

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Hawaii and US Pacific Islands

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: MA

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Mid Atlantic

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: NE

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: New England

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: WC

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: West Coast

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: SA

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: South Atlantic

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Site_ID

Attribute_Definition: Site ID

Attribute_Definition_Source: MPAC

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Unique identifier for each defacto MPA generated by MPAC.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Activity

Attribute_Definition: Type of Activity Restricted

Attribute_Definition_Source: MPAC

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: AL

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

All - Scientific Research, Mineral/Energy Extraction/Exploration, Fishing

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: EX

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Mineral/Energy Extraction/Exploration

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: FI

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Fishing

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: NO

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: None

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: OT

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Other

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Duration

Attribute_Definition: Duration of Protection

Attribute_Definition_Source: MPAC

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: LU

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Lapsed or Uncertain

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: PP

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: DurationName

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: SF

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Permanent Seasonal or Fixed

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: YR

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Permanent Year-round

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Purpose

Attribute_Definition: Purpose of Site Designation

Attribute_Definition_Source: MPAC

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: PI

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Public and Private Infrastructure

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: HS

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Public Health and Safety

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: MI

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Military

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: U

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Unknown

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Mangt

Attribute_Definition: Management Agency

Attribute_Definition_Source: MPAC

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: USCG

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: United States Coast Guard

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: USN

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: United States Navy

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: COE

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Army Corps of Engineers

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: EPA

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Environmental Protection Agency

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: NOAA

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: USA

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: United States Army

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: USM

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: United States Marine Corps

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: USAF

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: United States Air Force

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: USFWS

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: United States Fish and Wildlife Service

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Restricted

Attribute_Definition: Type of Restriction

Attribute_Definition_Source: MPAC

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: TO

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Transit Only

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: RU

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Restricted Use

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: NA

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: No Access

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: MPAC

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Area_m2

Attribute_Definition: Area in square meters

Attribute_Definition_Source: GIS

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Any value greater than 0

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Area_K2

Attribute_Definition: Area in square kilometers

Attribute_Definition_Source: GIS

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Any value greater than 0

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Shape_Length

Attribute_Definition: Length of feature in internal units.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Positive real numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Shape_Area

Attribute_Definition: Area of feature in internal units squared.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Positive real numbers that are automatically generated.

Distribution_Information:

Distribution_Liability: See access and use constraints information.

Standard_Order_Process:

Digital_Form:

Digital_Transfer_Information:

Format_Name: Shapefile

Transfer_Size: 11.996

Digital_Transfer_Option:

Metadata_Reference_Information:

Metadata_Date: 20250401

Metadata_Standard_Name: FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata

Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001-1998

Metadata_Time_Convention: local time