Final Environmental Assessment for the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument Management Plan

This Environmental Assessment analyzes the environmental effects of three proposed alternatives for the management of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument.

These alternatives include:

• Alternative 1 – Continued Current Management (No Action Alternative)
• Alternative 2 – Phased Implementation on a Set Schedule
• Alternative 3 / Preferred Alternative – Prioritized Implementation of Action Plans (Monument Management Plan)

NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have decided to select Alternative 3 as the Monument Management Plan for the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, beginning in summer 2024. This action is compatible with the purposes of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the mission of NOAA Fisheries, and is consistent with applicable laws and policies.

The document includes a Finding of No Significant Impact and implementation decision, the final Environmental Assessment, Appendix 1 (final management plan), Appendix 2 (Statement of Compliance), and Appendix 3 (Responses to Public Comments).