Projects and Research
The Monument is home to one of the largest and most pristine collections of deep ocean coral reef, seabird, and shorebird protected areas on the planet, making it an area of great interest to scientists and researchers alike. The deep seamounts that interlace the Monument are estimated to be millions of years old, while the soft corals and biological diversity within the dark ocean depths are rarely seen or studied. Through Special Use Permits, the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA work with scientists and researchers interested in respectfully surveying and studying the seamounts or biodiversity within the Monument and the National Wildlife Refuge System refuges and units found within.
A Special Use Permit to conduct activities in the Monument, refuges, and units may be requested by filling out and submitting a Special Use Permit application to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Superintendent of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument. In order to have enough time to review, complete consultations, and make a determination on the permit, applications should be submitted at least 5 months in advance of the proposed activities. The permit is not valid until approved and signed by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service official.