NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS MARINE NATIONAL MONUMENT A Citizen’s Guide INTRODUCTION A GLOBAL TREASURE

Aloha, “These ancient volcanic remnants with their Beyond the main eight populated islands of Hawai‘i lie a string of tiny islands, atolls, shoals, and banks spanning fringes of truly wild coral reefs remind us of our 1,200 miles of the Pacifi c Ocean, the world’s largest body of On behalf of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Fish and past—when coral reefs and sea life across the water. Hundreds of miles northwest of Kaua‘i, places like Wildlife Service and the State of Hawai‘i – co-trustee management agencies of the Nihoa, Laysan, Pearl and Hermes, and Kure comprise the newly established Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument (monument) planet thrived—a time before humans became little known, rarely visited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands – mahalo for taking the time to read our “citizen’s guide” to the Northwestern Hawaiian top predator in the ocean food chain.” (NWHI). Seen from space, the area’s shallow waters Islands Marine National Monument. As co- trustees, we take seriously our responsibility appear as a string of turquoise jewels in an empty and dark to safeguard the natural and cultural heritage of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. blue vastness. Thanks to their isolation, these 4,500 square miles of On June 15, 2006, President Bush signed a proclamation establishing the Northwestern wild coral reefs are among the healthiest and most Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. His signature marks the beginning of a extensive in the world. This marine wilderness is mammoth undertaking to strengthen existing conservation and implement new lasting home to the highly endangered Hawaiian monk protections to ensure that this remote wilderness continues to thrive for generations to come. seal, the world’s second most endangered seal, and uninhabited sandy islets provide the nesting We hope this guide provides you with a glimpse of the incredible natural and cultural grounds for 90 percent of Hawaii’s threatened green sea turtles. Though land areas are history of the region and an understanding of the newly established monument. limited, over 14 million seabirds nest The guide will take you on a brief but informative virtual tour of this vast area and here and this is the only home for four introduce you to the amazing plants and animals that call these islands and reefs their endangered land birds. home. We also hope you will become inspired to learn more about the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and join with us as active caretakers of Hawaii’s oceans. The marine habitats of the NWHI contain features not found in the The islands, atolls, reefs, shoals, and wildlife of this incredible area offer Hawai‘i, the main Hawaiian Islands, such as coral atolls, and nurture thriving populations United States, and the world with a natural and cultural treasure unlike any other on Earth. of many species once abundant in the main Hawaiian Islands, but rarely found today. Mahalo for your support, Large predatory fi sh such as jacks, Hawaiian grouper, and sharks are nearly fi fteen times `Aulani Wilhelm as numerous in the shallow waters of William Robinson NWHI compared to the heavily fi shed National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration main Hawaiian Islands. Many sought after aquarium species, now rare in the main Hawaiian Islands, are much Barry Stieglitz more common on these reefs as well. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Leopard blenny, pö‘o kauila, Exallias brevis, Globally the NWHI are a natural and cultural treasure Kure Atoll. Photo: David Liittschwager and Peter Young Susan Middleton, © 2005. of outstanding scientifi c, conservation and aesthetic value. State of Hawai‘i, Department of Land and Natural Resources The steps we take in preserving these last undisturbed environments are gifts we give to our children’s children, and

Cover Photo: Pale anemone crab, unauna, Dardanus deformis. help in sustaining the ocean’s bounty that supports us today. Photographed aboard NOAA ship Hi‘ialakai at Kure Atoll, © 2005, David Liittschwager and Susan Middleton. Partnership Agencies Contact Information THE

National Oceanic and NOAA/NOS NWHI Marine National Monument U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Atmospheric Administration 6600 Kalaniana‘ole Hwy. # 300, Honolulu, HI 96825 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Box 50167, Honolulu, HI 96850 Ph: (808)397-2660 • Fax: (808)397-2662 Ph: (808) 792-9550 • Fax: (808) 792-9585 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service NORTHWESTERN NOAA Fisheries, Pacifi c Islands Regional Offi ce Department of Land and Natural Resources 1601 Kapi‘olani Boulevard, Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814 Division of Aquatic Resources State of Hawai‘i Ph: (808) 944-2200 • Fax: (808) 973-2941 1151 Punchbowl St., Rm. 330, Honolulu, HI 96813 Ph: (808) 587-0099 • Fax: (808) 587-0115 HAWAIIAN ISLANDS 2 Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument 3 “To put this area in context, this national monument is moremore than 100 times lar largerger than Y Yosemiteosemite National Park,Park, largerlarger than 46 of our 50 states, Overview of the Proclamation and moremore than sevenseven times largerlarger than all our national marine sanctuaries The President’s proclamation creating the Northwestern Hawaiian combined. This is a big deal.” Islands Marine National Monument has given nearly 140,000 ~ PresidentPresident GeorGeorgege WW.. Bush square miles of land and ocean our nation’s highest form of marine

President George W. Bush signs Proclamation 8031 at the White House, environmental protection. It honors our commitment to be good stewards A HISTORIC MOMENT: joined by Mrs. Laura Bush and (left to right) Hawai‘i congressional delegates U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, U.S. Rep. Ed Case, U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka; Support for the protection and preservation Establishing a Marine U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez; Hawai‘i Gov. Linda Lingle; of America’s natural resources, shows what cooperative conservation fi lmmaker Jean-Michel Cousteau; oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle and U.S. of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands was National Monument Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne. White House photo by Eric Draper. overwhelming, with more than 52,000 public can accomplish, and creates a new opportunity for ocean education and comments submitted during the 5 years of On June 15, 2006, President George W. Bush made conservation history when he the proposed national marine sanctuary research for decades to come. The national monument will: signed Presidential Proclamation 8031 creating the largest fully protected marine designation process, the majority in favor conservation area on the planet in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. By applying of strong protection. This public sentiment the authority of the Antiquities Act, which gives the President discretion to declare was part of what inspired the President to • Prohibit unauthorized access to the monument; issue the Proclamation. objects or places of scientifi c or historic interest a national monument, he created • Provide for carefully regulated educational and scientifi c activities; the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. By creating a marine national monument • Preserve access for Native Hawaiian cultural activities; President Bush immediately granted the • Enhance visitation in a special area around Midway Atoll; waters of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands our nation’s highest form of • Phase out commercial fi shing over a 5 year period; and marine environmental protection. “The • Ban other types of resource extraction and dumping of waste. Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are a beautiful place,” he said, “and with the “Our duty is to use the land and seas wisely, or sometimes not use them at all. designation of the Northwestern Hawaiian Protection was effective immediately and includes requiring permits for Good stewardship of the environment is not just a personal responsibility, it is a Islands Marine National Monument, we public value,” said the President in his proclamation speech explaining why it was are making a choice that will leave a access into the monument. Permits may be issued for activities related necessary to close off such a large area for the sake of conservation. precious legacy.” to research, education, conservation and management, Native Hawaiian practices, non-extractive special ocean uses, and recreation. Protections A Historic Moment also include the prohibition of commercial and recreational harvest of precious coral, crustaceans and coral reef species in monument waters; the prohibition of oil, gas and mineral exploration and extraction anywhere in the monument; the prohibition of waste dumping; and the phase out of commercial fi shing in monument waters over a 5-year period.

The region is so vast that if laid atop the continental United States it would cover the approximate distance from Las Vegas, NV to Dallas, TX.

A Hawaiian monk seal, ‘ilioholoikauaua, Monachus schauinslandi sleeps the day away at Pearl and Hermes Atoll. Photo: James Watt.

4 Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument 5 RAINFORESTS OF THE SEA: THE IMPORTANCE OF CORAL REEFS

Often called the “rainforests” of the sea, coral reefs are vital inspired the sport of surfi ng, now exported worldwide. A disturbed if one or more species are removed or depleted, to maintaining the biological diversity of our oceans. They 2002 study evaluated the value of coral reefs to Hawaii’s allowing another species to grow unchecked. In some cases, are highly complex and productive ecosystems composed economy at $364 million each year, and some of Hawaii’s such as when algae eaters like manini, kumu, cowries, or of countless millions of plants and animals dependent upon most famous ocean residents, the monk seal and green sea sea urchins are removed, the algae, or limu, can grow so one another to survive. Building layer upon layer, coral turtle, depend on coral reefs for their survival. rapidly that it overgrows and smothers the corals. These reefs form an intricate living tapestry with more species per “lawnmowers of the reef” help keep reefs in balance, and unit area than any other marine environment. Though coral For all their biological richness and economic value, coral are but one thread in an intricate web of life. reefs compose only about 0.2 percent of the ocean’s fl oor, reefs are fragile environments that remain healthy only Most reef systems around the world have seen scientists have estimated that they shelter and support nearly within a narrow window of ocean and climatic conditions. Given the balancing act that coral reefs must maintain, a dramatic reduction of large predatory fi sh, one million species of fi sh, invertebrates, and algae; many yet Seawater a few degrees hotter or colder than what corals are and their fragile structure, they are very susceptible to and this is disturbing, since healthy populations to be discovered. accustomed to can impact their survival, and they need clean, disturbances such as overfi shing, shoreline development, of predator species are a good indicator clear water in order to get the sunlight they need to produce storms, and pollution. Coral reefs around the world are in of an ecosystem’s overall health. When In addition to biological value, coral reefs provide resources food. Corals are also sensitive to physical disturbance, since serious decline and many are heavily compromised. This fact predator populations are greatly reduced by and services worth billions of dollars to economies world- only the thin outer layer of the coral structure is living tissue. alone makes protection of the vast and healthy coral reefs fi shing and other human activities, the normal wide. In many coastal communities adjacent to coral reefs, of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) all the more people rely on the reef’s bounty for the majority of their food. Within coral reefs, plants and animals compete for limited important. structure of the reef community is disrupted. Around the main Hawaiian Islands, coral reefs protect our space and food, and a delicate balance has developed over shores from storms, and they shape our famous waves that time among species. This fragile balance can be easily More than half the weight (biomass) of all fi sh on NWHI coral reefs consists of large top-level predators like sharks and jacks. In contrast, only 3 percent of the fi sh biomass on main Hawaiian Islands reefs is composed of these predatory fi sh, several of which are highly prized food and game fi shes. It is likely that this difference Far Beneath the Waves results from human impacts such as fi shing and The pitch-black abyss of the deep ocean harbors Only In Hawai`i: Endemic Species habitat loss from shoreline development. These a strange world where deep-sea corals, odd The remote location of the NWHI, thousands of miles from activities, largely absent in the NWHI, make it invertebrates and bottom fi sh such as onaga and any continent, ensures that naturally occurring arrival one of the last places on Earth where scientists opakapaka thrive. Hawaiian monk seals descend of new species is rare. The Hawai‘i State Department of can study the ecology of a coral reef ecosystem into the dark twilight, more than a thousand feet Land and Natural Resources estimates that before the beneath the surface, to forage among huge arrival of humans, new species became established in without large-scale human disturbance. branching formations of gold and bamboo Hawai‘i once every 70,000 years. Those species that have Such studies provide new insights into how precious corals. This new frontier, largely unexplored made their way to Hawai‘i and survived have become Hawaiian coral reef ecosystems function, and by deep diving submersibles, is only now revealing unique species over time as they adapted to their new to science its environment. Approximately 25 percent of all marine species the impacts of removing large predators. rich and diverse in the NWHI are unique to the Hawaiian Archipelago, one wonders. of the highest rates of marine endemism in the world. In addition, at Pearl and Hermes, Midway and Kure atolls over half of the fi sh populations are composed of these unique species. This high percentage of unique species means that the NWHI is truly a one of a kind natural wonder.

Titan scorpionfi sh, nohu, Scorpaenopsis cacopsis (endemic) at Midway Atoll. Photo: James Watt.

From top: Grammatonotus macrophthalmu, an odd and iridescent deep-sea fi sh. Photo: Hawai‘i Undersea Research Laboratory (HURL).

A colony of healthy gold corals, Galapagos sharks, Carcharhinus galapagenesis (top), Gerardia sp. Photo: Amy Baco-Taylor. and a large tiger shark, Galeocerdo cuvier (bottom) are a few of the abundant top level predators in NWHI waters. A diverse group of octocorals and Hawaiian green sea turtle, honu, Chelonia mydas, Photo: James Watt. zoanthids. Photo: Amy Baco-Taylor. at French Frigate Shoals. Photo: James Watt.

6 Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument 7 Wedge-tailed shearwater, ‘ua‘u kani, Puffi nus pacifi cus chlororhynchus, Midway Atoll. Photo: © 2005, David Liittschwager and Susan Middleton. MARITIME HERITAGE F A T H O M I N G O U R P A S T The Last Best Place: Terrestrial Environments

Diver examining the scattered wreck site of the iron hulled sailing ship Dunnottar Castle, lost at Kure Atoll in 1886. Photo: NOAA NMSP. Although some of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands drought, and intense sun. Most have seeds capable of The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands on top and underneath the reef crest (NWHI) were decimated by introduced mammals (rabbits, dispersing in seawater. Some plants evolved into new (NWHI) not only possess incredible Heavier objects, such as the cannon, in the case of Laysan), other islets and atolls have been species, and six endemic plants are listed under the natural resources worthy of our best steam engines, and paddlewheel shafts, relatively untouched by humans. As a result, robust seabird Endangered Species Act, including the endangered fan efforts at conservation, but these are solidly embedded in the coralline populations and healthy insect and plant communities can palm Pritchardia remota found only on Nihoa. A similar distant atolls are also the locations substrate. still be found, and in places that were heavily impacted, palm went extinct during the rabbit plague on Laysan Island, of historic shipwreck sites, heritage seabird and plant populations are now on the mend. Nihoa and in recent years an alien grasshopper has attacked resources which capture our seafaring The capstans, anchors, masts, and Island is one of the most biologically pristine islands in the Nihoa’s palms. past in graphic detail. Since systematic rigging of the Dunnottar Castle, a Pacifi c, and probably most closely represents the original survey began in 2002, our understanding 258-foot iron hulled sailing ship lost island appearance and native species found before humans The fi rst entomologists (insect scientists) visited Laysan of these sites continues to increase. in 1886, portray the days of the great arrived in the Hawaiian Islands. Island in 1893, and upon numerous subsequent visits, Each wreck site is like a time capsule, sailing ships like the Falls of Clyde identifi ed at least 75 native species, including 15 found only allowing us to glimpse a part of seafaring (now part of the Hawai‘i Maritime These islands provide breeding sites for on Laysan. The arthropods and land snails are the least history. Center), the Balcalutha, and the Star all but three of Hawaii’s 22 species of understood components of the terrestrial ecosystems, but of India, a time when our maritime seabirds such as the grey-backed tern, studies continue to improve our knowledge. At least 35 The wrecks of American and British commerce was driven by steel masts short-tailed albatross, and the red-tailed species of endemic insects and spiders, and six species of whaling ships lost during the early and canvas and human hands. The tropicbird. Millions of central Pacifi c endemic land snails have been identifi ed at Nihoa Island. decades of the 19th century depict the wreck site is an inventory of our seabirds congregate on these islands to Unfortunately, positive discoveries are at times offset by many hazards associated with seafaring. industrial wind-driven commerce long breed. They nest in burrows and cliffs, negative ones – as many as 125 species of alien insects and The debris trail of the American whaler before our dependence on fossil fuels. on the ground, and in trees and shrubs. spiders have also been found, and some of these, particularly Parker, lost in 1842 during a violent For some species, these tiny specks of ants, are extremely destructive. Considered “ecosystem storm, depicts a ship washed entirely These and many other heritage sites Laysan duck, Anas laysanensis, land provide their only breeding site. busters,” introduced ants have the ability to displace native on Laysan Island. Photo: into the lagoon at Kure Atoll, equipment in the NWHI are rare and protected James Watt. species, and even affect the survival of ground nesting being swept off the decks as the vessel resources which bear human testimony More than 99 percent of the world’s Laysan albatrosses and seabirds. passed the reef crest. The wreck of the to unique Pacifi c seafaring experiences. 98 percent of the world’s black-footed albatrosses return to British whaler Pearl, lost at Pearl and More than 100 vessels and aircraft are the NWHI each year to reproduce. For species such as Bonin Hermes Atoll in 1822, tells a different known to have been lost in the NWHI. petrels and Tristram’s storm-petrels, these predator-free story. There, the ship fell apart where They are unique parts of an untouched islands provide the last safe nesting places since islands in she grounded, the crew having wrecked museum of our maritime past, set other parts of the Pacifi c are becoming infested with rats. in calmer conditions on the uncharted amidst the beauty of the Northwestern For land birds, the islands have provided less secure habitat, atoll. Salvage was possible, and soon Hawaiian Island’s natural environment. but four of the seven original species still remain. Three a schooner named Deliverance was endangered passerines (the Nihoa fi nch, Nihoa millerbird, constructed on the beach. and Laysan fi nch) and the world’s rarest duck – the Laysan

duck – are found on these islands. Maritime archaeologists on the site of the British The steam machinery and armament whaler Pearl, lost in 1822 at Pearl and Hermes Atoll. of the USS Saginaw, lost in 1870, Photo: NOAA NMSP. The plants of the NWHI are primarily coastal strand species Diver measuring rigging pieces from the wreck site represents a slice of Civil War history of the New Bedford whaler Parker, lost at Kure Atoll of the Pacifi c that can tolerate high salt levels, periodic Nihoa palm, loulu, Pritchardia remota on Nihoa. Photo: Bonnie Kahape‘a. in the Pacifi c. The remains of the side 1842. Photo: NOAA NMSP. Large paddle wheel shaft from the wreck of the wheel navy steamer are scattered USS Saginaw lost at Kure Atoll in 1870. Photo: NOAA NMSP.

8 Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument 9 From Top: King David Kaläkaua.

Voyaging canoe Höküalaka’i. for their cultural and historical signifi cance. Ka ho‘omau ‘ana i ka hana o ka po‘e kahiko Photo: Kekuewa Kikiloi. Timeline of Events Ka huaka‘i a Pele Archaeological surveys conducted on the The continuation of Hawaiian cultural practices Migration of Pele Modern day Hawaiian voyagers Ku‘i ‘ia ka lei Keoni Kuoha and Kamana‘opono two islands have documented numerous Crabbe aboard Höküle. Photo: Queen1822 Ka‘ahumanu travels to In Hawaiian mo‘olelo (stories, historical narratives, mythologies) Kekuewa Kikiloi. archaeological sites and a range of cultural In recent years, different groups of Native moku a Kanaloa artifacts have been collected. Nihoa has 88 Hawaiian cultural practitioners have voyaged Nihoa Island and claims it under the there are many of versions of the epic of Pele and Hi‘iaka. In Kamehameha Monarchy. one account by N. B. Emerson, Pele migrated from Kuaihelani The seas of Kanaloa string cultural sites, including ceremonial, residential to the NWHI to honor their ancestors and to Hawai‘i to escape confl ict between her and her sister the lei of islands together and agricultural features. On Mokumanamana, perpetuate traditional practices. In 1997, Hui Nämakaokaha‘i, a deity of the sea. Their journey led them there are 52 recorded cultural sites, including Mälama i Nä Küpuna o Hawai‘i Nei, a group Nihoa1856 is reaffi rmed as part of the through the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. In the Emerson existing territory of Hawai‘i by version, Pele fi rst stopped at the island of Nihoa and decided He mo‘olelo kahiko mai ka pö mai authority of Alexander Liholiho, to lealeaveve Käneapua, her younger brotherbrother,, behind. Kamehameha IV. Pele’sPele’s journe journeyy continued do downwn the island chain An ancient tradition tied to creation from spot to spot, until she found comfort in the pit of Halema‘uma‘u crater on the island of 1857 NativeNative Ha Hawaiians,waiians, the fi rst inhabitants of King Kamehameha IV voyages Hawai‘i.Hawai‘i. These tra travelsvels of Pele and her f familyamily the HawaiianHawaiian Archipelago, havehave livedlived here to Nihoa. He instructs Captain are recognized as the migration of gods to Paty on the Manuokawai to verify Hawai‘iHawai‘i and each vversionersion of the mo‘olelo gigivesves for o overver a thousand years. Ov Overer time, the theyy dedevelopedveloped complexcomplex resource management the existence of other lands in the us important information about the cultural northwest. Paty travels to Nihoa, signifi cance of these islands in the northwest. systems and specialized skill sets to survisurviveve Necker, Gardner, Laysan, Lisianski, on these remote islands with limited and Pearl and Hermes. …‘O…‘O NNihoaihoa kkaa ‘‘äinaäina a mmäkouäkou i ppaeae mmuaua aakuku aaii resources. Native Hawaiians continue to Cultural sites at Mokumanamana and Nihoa indicate use of the islands by Native Hawaiians. Photo: (left) Kekuewa Kikiloi, (Right) David Boynton. Lele a‘e nei mäkou, kau i uka o Nihoa maintain their strong cultural ties to the ‘O ka hana nö a ko‘u pöki‘i, a Käneapua, The1857 islands of Laysan and Lisianski ‘O ka ho‘oili i ka ihu o ka wa‘a a nou i ke kai land and sea, understanding the import- ance of managing the islands and waters ceremonial and temporary habitation features. dedicated to the repatriation of ancestral are declared as new territory under WWaihoaiho aaneinei ‘‘oo KKamohoali‘iamohoali‘i iiää KKäneapuaäneapua i uukaka o NNihoa.ihoa. the domain of the Kingdom. No‘iau ka hoe a Kamohoali‘i as inextricably connected to one another. Recent ethnological studies highlight the remains, returned sets of iwi (bones) to Nihoa continuity of Native Hawaiian traditional and Mokumanamana. In 2003, the voyaging A pae i ka ‘äina i kapa ‘ia ‘o Lehua… In particular,particular, the ocean, poetically referred 1885 to as k kee kai pöpolohua mea a Käne (the practices in the NWHI. Only a fraction of canoe Höküle‘a traveled to the NWHI so Princess Lydia Lili‘uokalani and a Translation: deep dark ocean of Käne, the Ha Hawaiianwaiian god these have been recorded; many more exist that a cultural protocol group could conduct scientifi c expedition visits Nihoa on of life and creation), played an inte integralgral role in the memories and life histories of küpuna ceremonies on Nihoa. In 2004, Höküle‘a the ship Iwalani. …Nihoa is the island on which we fi rst landed (knowledgeable elders). The Northwestern sailed to Kure Atoll. In 2005, Höküle‘a We climbed upwards until the top of Nihoa in NativeNative Ha Hawaiianwaiian culture as a wellspring The fault of my younger brother, Käneapua, of physicalphysical and spiritual sustenance in every-every- Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monu- returned with Höküalaka‘i to take the 1886 ment’s (monument) Native Hawaiian cultural cultural protocol group to Mokumanamana King David Kaläkaua, through WeighingWeighing tthehe pprowrow ooff tthehe ccanoeanoe uuntilntil iitt bbeateat iintonto tthehe wwavesaves day life. Special Commissioner Colonel Kamohoali‘i left Käneapua on land at Nihoa program will be initiating research projects for ceremonies on the summer solstice. James Harbottle-Boyd, claims Skillful was the steering of Kamohoali‘i IInn H Hawaiianawaiian t traditions,raditions, t thehe N Northwesternorthwestern to collect information from both historical possession of Kure Atoll Until we landed on the island named Lehua HawaiianHawaiian I Islandsslands ( (NWHI)NWHI) a arere c consideredonsidered and living resources in order to inform The monument allows for the continuation (Ocean Island). a sacredsacred place,place, a regionregion ofof KanaloaKanaloa fromfrom management decisions and enhance cultural of Native Hawaiian practices. The defi nition access to the region. of Native Hawaiian practices, along with wwhichhich lifelife springssprings andand toto whichwhich spiritsspirits The1893 Hawaiian government is Ke ala nui polohiwa a Kane returnreturn aafterfter ddeath.eath. MMuchuch ooff tthehe iinformationnformation criteria developed to evaluate permit The black shining road of Käne overthrown by the Provisional aaboutbout thethe NWHINWHI hashas beenbeen passedpassed downdown applications, was created with substantial government, with the assistance input from the Native Hawaiian community, of Minister John L. Stevens and Mokumanamana played a central role in Hawaiian inin o oralral a andnd w writtenritten h histories,istories, g genealogies,enealogies, Nä huaka‘i i ka wä o ke aupuni Hawai‘i including recognized cultural experts and the U. S. military. ceremonial rites and practices a thousand years ago as it ssongs,ongs, dances,dances, andand archaeologicalarchaeological Historical expeditions during the Kingdom was directly in line (23˚ 34.5’ N) with the rising and setting resources.resources. T Thesehese s sourcesources e enablenable N Nativeative period knowledgeable küpuna. of the equinoctial sun (23˚ 34.1’ N) on the path called the HawaiiansHawaiians t too recountrecount thethe travelstravels ofof sea-sea- The1898 archipelago, inclusive of the Tropic of Cancer. In Hawaiian, this path is called “ke ala ffaringaring a ancestorsncestors b betweenetween t thehe N NWHIWHI a andnd Prior to the 1800s, the general population Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, polohiwa a Käne,” or “the black shining road of Käne.” Since thethe mmainain HHawaiianawaiian IIslands.slands. of Native Hawaiians knew little about the Ship Wai‘ale‘ale that visited are collectively ceded to the United the island sits on the northern limit of the path the sun makes Kure Atoll (Ocean Island) in States through a domestic resolution, throughout the year, it sits centrally on an axis between two Northwestern Hawaiian Islands as few travel- 1886 when it was annexed by the Kingdom of Hawai‘i. called the “New Lands Resolution.” spatial and cultural dimensions – pö (darkness, creation, and ed there. Throughout the 1800s, however, Photo: Hawai‘i State Archives. afterlife) and ao (light, existence). On the summer solstice Hawaiian ali‘i (royalty) initiated a number (the longest day of the year) the sun will travel its slowest Nä wahi küpuna ma nä mokupuni ‘o of expeditions to the NWHI. Accounts of across the sky on this northern passage going directly over Nihoa a ‘o Mokumanamana these historical expeditions were published Mokumanamana. The strategic concentration of ceremonial Cultural sites on Nihoa and in great detail in the newspapers from sites on this island is a reminder of the important spiritual role it plays in Hawaiian culture in channeling the creation of new Mokumanamana (Necker) 1857 through 1895. Title to the islands life and facilitating the return to source after death. and waters of the NWHI was vested in the Nihoa and Mokumanamana (Necker) Kingdom of Hawai‘i throughout the 1800s, Background: Polynesian double hull voyaging canoe Höküle‘a in front of Nihoa Island. Islands are listed on both the National although title to Midway was unclear, and Photo: Na‘alehu Anthony. and State Register of Historic Places disputed until 1898. 1856 Circular affi rming that Nihoa is part of 10 Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument the existing territory of the Kingdom. Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument 11 A Hawaiian monk seal, ‘ilioholoikauaua, History of Protection Monachus schauinslandi, © 2005, David Partnering to Protect: The Co-Trustees Liittschwager and Susan Middleton. The NWHI Marine National Monument is Looking Back Federal and state agencies have worked for many years to conserve and manage the natural but the most recent step taken in a century- and cultural resources of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Recent legislative long history of federal and state protections A History of the Region actions to provide enhanced protections to the NWHI have helped to defi ne and strengthen extended to preserve the NWHI’s ecological these working relationships. In May 2006, a historic interagency agreement was formalized richness. between NWHI co-trustees – NOAA’s National Ocean Service and National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Hawai‘i State Department of Land and Natural 1903 – President Theodore Roosevelt places Annexation Party on Mokumanamana, 27 May, 1894. Resources. These agencies are also named in the proclamation that created the monument as Photo: Bishop Museum. control of Midway Atoll under the being jointly responsible for its co-management. The proclamation directs NOAA to use its Navy, and sent Marines to stop the expertise to oversee the marine waters, and the Fish and Wildlife Service to apply their skills slaughter of seabirds. millions of years the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) and experience to the wildlife refuge areas. The proclamation does not diminish or enlarge the 1909 – President Roosevelt establishes the remained in a pristine natural state, drifting northwestward jurisdiction of the State of Hawai‘i. Through coordination of effort, the co-trustees, working Hawaiian Islands Reservation. atop the Pacifi c Plate at about 3.2 inches per year, and together with interagency partners, Offi ce of Hawaiian Affairs, U.S. Coast Guard, Department 1940 – President Franklin D. Roosevelt Forslowly eroding back into the sea. Over time, new species arrived, mostly of Defense, and Environmental Protection Agency, seek to provide comprehensive protection changes the name of the Reservation from the south; some adapted to the new surroundings while others went that is as seamless and interconnected as the ecosystem itself. to the Hawaiian Islands National extinct. Early Polynesian voyagers, in their epic trans-Pacifi c voyages Wildlife Refuge and increases aboard large double-hulled sailing canoes, were the fi rst humans to arrive protections for wildlife. NOAA – National the permitting and close monitoring of American people. The agency enforces federal in these Northwestern islands as early as 1000 A.D. Evidence of permanent continued commercial fi shing activities in wildlife laws, administers the Endangered 1967 – President Lyndon B. Johnson Oceanic and living sites exists only for Nihoa, with temporary settlement and cultural Atmospheric the monument. NMFS conducts a range of Species Act, manages migratory bird designates the land areas in sites found on Mokumanamana. Early Hawaiians lived on Nihoa for an Administration activities to protect and recover endangered populations, restores nationally signifi cant the HINWR, and surrounding estimated 700 years, but this occupation mysteriously ceased before Captain and threatened sea turtles, Hawaiian monk fi sheries, conserves and restores wildlife submerged lands as Research Cook’s fi rst landing in Hawai‘i in 1778. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric seals and other marine mammals, and habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign Natural Areas. Administration (NOAA) under the U.S. protecting the habitats of concern for fi shery governments with their conservation efforts. 1983 – President Ronald Reagan creates the Department of Commerce, has primary resources and threatened/endangered species. The 18th and 19th centuries brought increased international trade and Habitats of concern include coral reefs, Exclusive Economic Zone, giving management responsibilities for the marine State of Hawai‘i — commerce within Hawaiian waters, which in turn increased the exploitation areas of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands seagrass beds, and benthic algae beds. NMFS the U.S. jurisdiction over the living Department of Land of both the animal species and the terrestrial environments of the NWHI. Marine National Monument (monument) also leads a major partnership of government and Natural Resources and non-living resources from 3 to Seabirds were harvested for their feathers by the hundreds of thousands. in consultation with the Fish and Wildlife agencies, businesses, and other interested 200 nautical miles from all Albatross eggs were also collected, and the sand and coral rubble islands Service. Since the area’s designation in 2000 parties to address the threat, accumulation, In September 2005, Governor Linda Lingle U.S. shorelines. were mined for guano, which was processed into fertilizer. Entire island as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral and clean up of marine debris in the NWHI. signed Hawai‘i Administrative Rules 1988 – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and ecosystems were completely destroyed by over harvesting and the introduction Reef Ecosystem Reserve, NOAA’s role in Through this effort more than 560 tons of establishing a marine refuge in State waters debris has been removed over the past the U.S. Navy create an overlay of new species, such as rabbits to Laysan Island. the management of this protected marine surrounding the Northwestern Hawaiian area greatly increased. Both the reserve and ten years. National Wildlife Refuge at Midway Islands. The marine refuge prohibits any monument have been funded by, and been part extractive uses, including commercial or Atoll. President Theodore Roosevelt created the Hawaiian Islands Reservation in of, NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife recreational fi shing. These are the most 1996 – President William J. Clinton transfers 1909 through Executive Order 1019, as a response to the over harvesting and NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary Service restrictive regulations that the State could full jurisdiction of Midway from the of seabirds, and in recognition of the islands’ importance as seabird nesting Program (NMSP), and have been administered impose on the area, and in doing so the State Navy to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife grounds. Subsequently, the reservation became the Hawaiian Islands through the NMSP. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) took a signifi cant step in the process to fully Service. National Wildlife Refuge. President Roosevelt’s action was the fi rst in a manages two National Wildlife Refuges preserve and protect the waters of the NWHI. The NMSP serves as the trustee for a system 2000 – President Clinton signs the Executive series of incremental protections for the NWHI, and adjacent marine (NWR) within the Northwestern Hawaiian “These rules set in motion the most signifi cant of 14 marine protected areas. The primary Islands Marine National Monument –Hawaiian marine conservation initiative in the history of Orders creating the NWHI Coral habitats, leading up to the establishment of Midway Atoll National Wildlife purpose of the NMSP is the protection of Islands NWR, and Midway Atoll NWR. In Hawai‘i by creating the state’s largest marine Reef Ecosystem Reserve. Refuge in 1988, Kure Atoll State Wildlife Sanctuary in 1993 and the NWHI the living and non-living resources of these recognition of its signifi cant role in World refuge,” said Governor Lingle. 2004 – President George W. Bush identifi es Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve (reserve) in 2000. nationally signifi cant areas. The NMSP War II, Midway Atoll NWR also is designated the NWHI as a national ocean policy works to enhance public awareness of our as the Battle of Midway National Memorial. In the NWHI the State of Hawai‘i Department priority in the U.S. Ocean Action The Executive Orders that created the reserve in 2000 also initiated a marine resources and marine heritage through The FWS has sole responsibility for the of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) scientifi c research, monitoring, exploration, Plan. process to designate the waters of the NWHI as a federal national marine management of the areas of the monument that manages the NWHI Marine Refuge, and the sanctuary. Scoping meetings for the proposed sanctuary were held in 2002. education programs, and outreach. The overlay these two National Wildlife Refuges Kure Atoll State Wildlife Sanctuary. Kure 2005 – State of Hawai‘i Governor Linda program is dedicated to fulfi ll a mission to In 2005 Governor Linda Lingle signed regulations establishing a state and National Memorial in consultation with Atoll’s land areas are the only ones in the Lingle signs rules creating the protect and preserve America’s ocean and NOAA. The refuges are part of the National NWHI that are not within National Wildlife NWHI Marine Refuge. marine refuge in the near-shore waters of the NWHI (out to three miles, Great Lakes treasures for this and future Wildlife Refuge System, a 95-million acre Refuges. All lands and submerged features 2006 – President George W. Bush issues except Midway Atoll) that excluded all extractive uses of the region, except generations. system of lands and waters where wildlife in the NWHI, with the exception of Midway Presidential Proclamation 8031 those permitted for research or other purposes that benefi ted management. comes fi rst. Atoll, are part of the State of Hawai‘i. NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service creating the NWHI Marine National In 2006, after substantial public comment in support of strong protections for (NMFS) has managed fi sheries, and conducted The FWS is the principal federal agency The State is also in the process of nominating Monument. the area, President George W. Bush issued Presidential Proclamation 8031, creating the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. The protected species, fi sheries and ecosystem responsible for conserving, protecting, and the NWHI as a United Nations Educational, research in the NWHI since the 1970s. NMFS enhancing fi sh, wildlife, and plants and their Scientifi c, and Cultural Organization cultural President’s actions followed Governor Lingle’s lead and immediately afforded Galapagos sharks, manö, Carcharhinus galapagenesis at plays a key role in the monument, including habitats for the continuing benefi t of the and natural World Heritage Site. Maro Reef. Photo: James Watt. the NWHI our nation’s highest form of marine environmental protection.

12 Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument 13 14 Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument 15 potential sea level changes in the NWHI and the resulting impacts on monk seal and sea turtle haul-out sites, as well as ground nesting sites of shorebirds. Further study will be required to determine the extent of such threats and the need for mitigation actions.

ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES

While the remote location of the NWHI has helped to protect them, it also provides a potential source of cover for those interested in exploiting the area illegally. Illegal access to the monument, discharge, dumping, and poaching are particular causes of concern. While the establishment of the monument provides an additional layer of protection to the An estimated 40-80 tons of marine debris and derelict fi shing gear are deposited in the NWHI each year by ocean area, enforcement remains challenging on a practical level currents. A multi-agency cleanup has removed more than 560 tons of this debris over the last 10 years. Nets and other due to the region’s size and remoteness. Historically, enforce- large debris entangle wildlife and bulldoze coral reefs. Photo: (Left) Amy Hall/NOAA, (Above) Jacob Asher/NOAA. ment has relied on reports passed along by fi shermen, researchers and agency personnel working in the area, as ALIEN AND INVINVASIVEASIVE SPECIES well as routine fl y-overs and vessel patrols by the U.S. Coast Guard. In addition to the existing channels of information, ENVIRONMENTALThreats IMPACTS the monument plans to use remote surveillance (satellites, Invasive species are causing signifi cant ecological and radar, vessel monitoring systems) to directly inform on-the- economic impacts worldwide. An invasive species is defi ned water law enforcement offi cers of potential violations. as a non-native (or alien) species whose introduction causes Most of the threats to the ecosystems of the Northwestern Laysan albatross, moli, Phoebastria immutabilis, necropsy, Kure Atoll. The stomach of this albatross chick was perforated and impacted with 12.2 oz. of plastic and other indigestible material that may have or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or Diesel fuel and other oil products are extremely toxic Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) are posed by human activities. In led to its early death. The actual stomach contents can be seen below. Adult albatross collect fl oating to coral reef life. With tens of thousands of gallons per plastics while foraging for one of their favorite foods – fl ying fi sh eggs. The eggs are attached to fl oating harm to human health. It is nearly impossible to determine vessel, the damage that can be caused by vessels that the past, a number of scientifi c, military, and commercial materials, which today are commonly plastics – lighters, toothbrushes, bottle caps - instead of wood or run aground and break apart before fuel and oils are pumice. The adult albatross feed the digested eggs and squid, along with the plastics, to their waiting which alien species will become invasive and have harmful removed can be immense. Photo: (right) DLNR, (below) activities have threatened the NWHI. Current uses are limited chicks. Photo (above and below) © 2005, David Liittschwager and Susan Middleton. James Watt. primarily to management activities by jurisdictional agencies, impacts on an ecosystem. Therefore, a precautionary approach research, education, Native Hawaiian practices, a small scale MARINE DEBRIS treats all alien species as potentially invasive. commercial bottomfi shing and pelagic trolling operation, as well as a small number of recreational trips and visits Marine debris is a severe and chronic threat to NWHI wild- While few alien species are now established in the waters to historical sites at Midway Atoll. The threats associated life and marine habitats. Ocean currents carry a wide array of the NWHI, global trends suggest that that the threat is with these activities originate both inside and outside of marine debris, including derelict fi shing nets and other high. Once established, invasive species can be extremely the monument, making them more diffi cult to address. gear, household plastics, hazardous materials, and shore- costly to control and would likely be impossible to eradicate The monument is working to reduce threats through based debris. Currents concentrate the materials and from reefs. On land, several invasive species have already an ecosystem-based approach to management. deposit them on the reefs and beaches of the dramatically damaged ecosystems. Requirements to wear This includes the development of an effective island chain. The debris hinders the recovery new, previously frozen clothes when visiting sensitive land regulatory framework, education and out- of the critically endangered Hawaiian areas, and treating diving equipment in a dilute bleach reach, preventative measures to minimize monk seal and threatens sea turtles and solution help to prevent new introductions. risk, and response and restoration to other marine life through entanglement, damaged or degraded natural resources. drowning and suffocation hazards. SEA TEMPERATURE CHANGE Between 1982 and 2003 there were 238 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS VESSEL HAZARDS documented monk seal entanglements Temperature anomalies present in marine debris in the NWHI, though another signifi cant threat to Ships allow human access and make many more likely occurred. In addition, the marine and terrestrial One of the most signifi cant threats to the NWHI is the activities possible in the vast and remote debris frequently entangles and kills components of the monument. potential for overuse. The cumulative impact of permitted NWHI. Vessels, however, can introduce specifi c corals, leads to the death of seabirds Elevated sea surface temp- activities could lead to habitat damage, wildlife habituation hazards to the marine environment via physical through entanglement in nets and accidental eratures may be linked to coral and other negative impacts. The monument co-trustees impacts caused by groundings and fuel, chemical consumption of fl oating plastics, and poses a bleaching events reported in are developing a single integrated permitting process to and oil spills. Biological impacts, including introduction of navigation hazard. A successful multi-agency effort the NWHI in recent years. allow tracking, monitoring and planning for all permitted activities within the monument. The goal is to evaluate the alien species through hull fouling or ballast water discharge, has removed more than 560 tons of debris from NWHI reefs Abnormally high seawater temperatures, or other These bleaching events place stressors, can cause coral to eject the algae living individual and cumulative impacts of all permitted activities, and interactions with protected marine species, are also a in the past 10 years. You can do your part by properly in their tissues. These algae are what gives the coral stress on corals, making them tissues their color, and when ejected the corals more susceptible to disease. particularly the collection of organisms, and where possible concern. The monument addresses threats from vessels of disposing of your trash and fi shing gear, purchasing products become white, or bleached. Without the algae, and the food they produce, the coral’s health and Additionally, recent concerns reduce these impacts. Technologies such as spatial databases all types through prohibitions and permit conditions. with minimal packaging and recycling everything you can. very survival is at stake. Photo: James Watt. have been raised regarding and mapping systems will be used to aid in this purpose. 16 Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument 17 MANAGING HUMAN ACTIVITIES: satellite phone, or on O‘ahu: (808)395-NWHI (6944), Permits and Access or send an email to nwhi.notifi [email protected]. Please provide your position, vessel identifi cation, contact information Any and all human presence and activities could potentially of owner and operator, USCG documentation, state license cause unintended harm to the fragile ecosystems of the North- or registration number, home port, intended and actual route western Hawaiian Islands (NWHI), even when undertaken with through the monument, categories of hazardous cargo, length care. The primary goals behind regulating access to the area of vessel, and propulsion type. are to: preserve the fragile marine and terrestrial habitats in their natural state, protect the unique historical and cultural Prohibitions do not repeal (or “white out”) any State of resources of the region, limit any degradation of resources, Hawai‘i or Fish and Wildlife Service regulations. Additional and make it easier to distinguish legitimate activities restrictions apply to National Wildlife Refuges, the State from illegitimate, or illegal ones. While some activities are NWHI Marine Refuge and Kure Atoll State Wildlife prohibited within the monument under any circumstances Sanctuary. (see box text on following page), a variety of others may be allowed with an approved permit. Permits allow management agencies to regulate activities and to track where, when and how they are conducted so that cumulative impacts over time CO-TRUSTEE COORDINATION: can be evaluated, and minimized. Authority over activities in the NWHI is shared by co-trustee agencies: NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary Program Entering the monument is prohibited, unless the access and (NMSP) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), U.S. related activities are specifi cally allowed by permit, with Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the State of Hawai‘i certain exemptions including: uninterrupted passage, law (State) – each agency having distinct yet often overlapping enforcement activities, activities conducted by the armed management responsibilities. forces including the U.S. Coast Guard, or activities necessary to respond to emergencies. Jurisdictional Authorities The area subject to this coordinated management comprises Vessels may pass through the monument without inter- NWHI lands (all islands, atolls, reefs, shoals, banks, and ruption provided that they notify the monument prior to seamounts from 50 miles east of Nihoa Island in the southeast entering and after leaving the monument. Phone numbers to beyond Kure Atoll in the northwest) and waters 50 and an email address are provided for this purpose. miles on either side of a line drawn through those lands. The To notify the monument of passage call: toll-free in marine waters and submerged lands of the NWHI encompass the U.S.: (866)478-NWHI (6944), or outside the U.S., via an area extending approximately 1,200 miles long and include MANAGING PERMITS AND ACCESS HUMAN ACTIVITIES

18 Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument Research diver at Nihoa Island. Photo: James Watt. Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument 19 the marine waters designated as the monument, State bottomfi shing and associated pelagic trolling may continue Native Hawaiian Practices Frozen Clothes of Hawai‘i waters and submerged lands, Kure Atoll State for 5 years. This activity will continue to be regulated by NMFS Proclamation 8031 defi nes a Native Hawaiian Practice as, The tiny land areas of the NWHI have been isolated from each other Wildlife Sanctuary, Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife through commercial bottomfishing permits. Proclamation “Cultural activities conducted for the purposes of perpetuating for millions of years, and they have developed unique plant and animal communities. Although the main Hawaiian Islands have been overrun Refuge, Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, and the 8031 provides more detail on these criteria, or “fi ndings,” that traditional knowledge, caring for and protecting the environ- by non-natives, islands such as Nihoa preserve the last remaining Battle of Midway National Memorial. guide the evaluation of permit applications, as well as comm- ment, and strengthening cultural and spiritual connections to examples of intact Hawaiian coastal plant communities. For this very ercial fi shing restrictions. The full text of the proclamation the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands that have demonstrable reason it is necessary for visitors to wear new clothes that have been Permits issued by the monument incorporate specifi c conditions can be found at: www.hawaiireef.noaa.gov/management/ benefi ts to the Native Hawaiian community. This may include, previously frozen for 48 hours, stored in sealed bags and worn only on locations, terms of conduct, reporting, and use of best but is not limited to, the non-commercial use of monument re- just prior to landing. The freezing kills insect hitchhikers, and may management practices to minimize threats to the ecosystem. sources for direct personal consumption while in the monument.” sterilize plant seeds. Such precautionary measures help to maintain these fragile habitats, and prevent introduction of new species by Permitting and enforcement are becoming increasingly PERMIT TYPES human transport. Visitors to sensitive land areas in the NWHI must integrated and coordinated among jurisdictional agencies, Research Permits will be considered for Native Hawaiian cultural plan accordingly to have separate sets of frozen gear for each area allowing for greater capacity, effectiveness and effi ciency Permits will be considered for research projects designed to practices. Küpuna (knowledgeable elders) and other cultural they visit. over time. Development of a fully integrated permit and enhance understanding of the monument or improve resource practitioners and experts may be consulted on applications. Bleaching Scuba Gear tracking system, permit reporting criteria, understanding management decision-making. Priority will be given to Permit conditions and protocols will continue to be developed patterns of use, and interagency enforcement efforts are a few When diving or snorkeling, we can unknowingly pick up pieces of algae research proposals that help meet the management needs of through consultation with the Native Hawaiian community. and other living matter on our gear. Some species of algae can stay of the many integral aspects of the coordinated permitting process. the monument and its co-trustee agencies. Some of the types alive for days, or even weeks out of the water unless thoroughly dried, of activities that will be conducted under a research permit Special Ocean Use and can be transported from one area to another. Certain species that include but are not limited to monitoring, mapping, habitat Proclamation 8031 defi nes Special Ocean Use as, “An activity grow quickly can be aggressive invaders, and can displace native algae. BIOLOGICAL PROTOCOLS In the main Hawaiian Islands some coral reefs have been smothered characte-rization, and submerged archaeological research. or use of the monument that is engaged in to generate reve- by invasive algae, and species that grow so fast they become very Endemic (found nowhere else) plant and animal species are nue or profi ts for one or more of the persons associated with diffi cult to remove. Soaking dive gear in a dilute bleach solution (about especially vulnerable to the introduction of competing or con- Education the activity or use, and does not destroy, cause the loss of, or 1/8 cup bleach/gallon water) between dive locations can help prevent suming species, thus biological protocols have been established Education permits will be considered for activities that further injure monument resources. This includes ocean-based eco- transporting invasive algae, coral disease pathogens and other critters to minimize the risk of spreading invasive species (a few of the educational value of the monument, enhance the un- tourism and other activities such as educational and research to areas where they are not currently found. In the NWHI divers must derstanding of the NWHI ecosystems, improve resource activities that are engaged in to generate revenue, but does soak their dive gear for 24 hours in fresh water prior to entering the these protocols are highlighted on the next page). NHWI and treat their dive equipment between dive locations with the management decision making, promote Native Hawaiian not include commercial fi shing for bottomfi sh or pelagic bleach solution. Visual inspections of gear for algal fragments are knowledge and values, and aid in enforcement and compli- species conducted pursuant to a valid permit issued by NOAA.” also required. CULTURAL PROTOCOLS ance efforts. These permits will be considered for activities that have clear educational or public outreach benefi ts, and Additionally, permits issued for activities under the Special Ocean Clean Your Hull of Hitchhikers The NWHI are culturally signifi cant to Native Hawaiians. The that promote, “bringing the place to the people rather than the Use category must directly benefi t the conservation and man- Most mariners know that if you leave your boat in the water for a while State of Hawaii’s Native Hawaiian Advisory Group, consisting algae, barnacles and other invertebrates will eventually start growing people to the place.” Some examples of potentially eligible agement of the monument. Special Ocean Use activities being of cultural practitioners and other members of the Native on it. When boating around home this is not an issue, except to slow projects are educator at sea programs on NOAA ships, video and permitted for the fi rst time will be restricted in duration and Hawaiian community is currently working with monument your boat down, but when traveling to new areas, especially sensitive photograph documentation, as well as distance learning projects. permitted as a special ocean use pilot project. Special Ocean Use staff to develop cultural protocols which will be implemented areas like the NWHI, this can be a real problem. Your boat may be permits must not involve the use of a commercial passenger vessel. transporting hitchhikers that detach or fall off in the new area and as part of the pre-access training given to all permittees entering Conservation and Management start reproducing, possibly displacing native species. Hull inspection the monument. Management permits will be considered for activities required Recreation and cleaning before entering sensitive or new areas helps to prevent for the general management of monument resources or users. Permits will be considered for recreational activities that do unknowingly spreading plants or animals to areas where they may cause harm. Permitted vessels must inspect their hulls and clean This may include activities associated with resource manage- not involve fee-for-service transactions (noncommercial) and them, if necessary, prior to entering the monument. TYPES OF MONUMENT PERMITS ment, such as marine debris removal. Management permits occur only within the Midway Atoll Special Management area. Permitting Procedures and Criteria will also be issued to the appropriate entities for response, Proclamation 8031 defi nes Recreational Activity as, “An activity The co-trustees may issue a permit if they fi nd that the restoration and long-term monitoring activities. Management conducted for personal enjoyment that does not result in the activity falls into to one of the six categories listed in permits provide a mechanism to respond to non-emergency extraction of monument resources and that does not involve the paragraphs below. In addition to these activities, the events in the monument that may not have been anticipated, a fee-for-service transaction. This includes, but is not limited proclamation allows that a limited amount of commercial such as coral bleaching episodes and invasive species surveys. to, wildlife viewing, SCUBA diving, snorkeling, and boating.”

PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

• Exploring for, developing, or producing oil, gas, or minerals within the monument;

• Using or attempting to use poisons, electrical charges, or explosives in the collection or harvest of a monument resource;

• Introducing or otherwise releasing an introduced species from within or into the monument;

• Anchoring on or having a vessel anchored on any living coral with an anchor, anchor chain, or anchor rope.

A rapid ecological assessment team at Gardner Pinnacles. Photo James Watt. Diver holding a Triton’s Trumpet, pü ‘olë, Charonia tritonis. This marine snail is one of 20 Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument the few predators of the coral eating crown-of-thorns sea star. Photo James Watt. Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument 21 PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE Management Plan Overview

Hawaiian green sea turtle hatchling, honu, Chelonia mydas, Tern Island, French Frigate Shoals. More than 90% of all green sea turtles in Hawai‘i nest on the tiny islets of French Frigate Shoals. © 2005, David Liittschwager and Susan Middleton. “To manage the monument, MANAGING A GLOBAL TREASURE How do you effectively manage an area as vast and remote as Program through the public sanctuary designation process, goals and objectives. The outcomes of evaluation processes can then the Secretary of Commerce, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI), while integrating and will provide for public review of that plan.” The draft plan be used to improve process, programs and accountability, prioritize numerous other planning documents required under federal represents cutting-edge thinking in management of marine activities, and inform constituents. in consultation with the and state laws that have been or are being developed for the areas. It addresses a wide range of issues, from marine pollution area? This enormous challenge was contemplated by NOAA, to human uses and protected species, and WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW Secretary of the Interior and Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the State of Hawai‘i provides a comparative baseline for future In order to implement the key provisions (State), the NWHI Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Advisory actions. The draft plan also describes an of the proclamation, and to protect the the State of Hawai‘i, shall Council, and many others in designing a plan to protect the living, ecosystem-based approach to management, ecosystem immediately, the monument cultural and historical resources of the region as a public trust. one that emphasizes interconnectivity and initiated a “rolling implementation” strategy modify, as appropriate, the protection of ecosystem structure, function, for the management plan, moving forward The public played a vital and key processes, and seeks to minimize a number of activities from the draft plan developed by NOAA’s role in shaping the manage- harm from human activities. action plans, subject to available resources. ment plan for a proposed Implementation of key activities will occur National Marine Sanctuary national marine sanctuary in Key elements of the ecosystem based simultaneously with action plan revisions, the NWHI, through an extensive management framework for the monu- adapting to the expanded and collaborative Hawaiian green sea turtle hatchlings seeing light for the fi rst time at Program through the public public process that formally ment include: (1) statutory authority of the Tern Island in French Frigate Shoals. Photo: Suzanne Canja/NOAA. management structure of the monument. began with public scoping Antiquities Act and other authorities; (2) Examples of action plan strategies and sanctuary designation meetings in 2002. Through this a statement of overall management principles and direction; (3) activities that can be immediately implemented to reduce threats process, key resource manage- mechanisms to promote and enhance collaboration with agency to the ecosystem include: process, and will provide for ment issues were identifi ed and partners and other stakeholders; (4) regulations and zoning; (5) a vision, mission, management action plans with strategies designed to address management - Implementing a vessel notifi cation and vessel monitoring Hawaiian green sea turtles basking in the sun at French Frigate needs; (6) integration of ecosystem science and traditional systems public review of that plan.” Shoals. Photo: Randy Kosaki/NOAA. principles, goals and objectives were developed. These steps knowledge; and (7) an adaptive management process. Together - Developing a unifi ed permitting program – President George W. Bush provided the basis for comprehensive management planning these elements provide a comprehensive approach to manage- - Coordinating a multi-agency enforcement team for the monument and were developed further through public ment uniquely tailored to the needs of NWHI ecosystems. - Conducting conservation, Native Hawaiian and maritime involvement in more than 100 meetings and working group heritage research sessions, including 22 formal public hearings in Hawai‘i and Action plans to address priority management needs - Continuing vessel hull inspection and cleaning Washington DC. The vast majority of more than 52,000 public are the heart of the management plan. There are 5 priority - Assessing vessel threats comments submitted during the sanctuary designation process management needs and over 20 action plans designed to 1) - Developing and implementing a 5 year marine debris called for strong, lasting protection for the region. understand and interpret the monument, 2) reduce threats to removal/prevention plan the ecosystem, 3) manage human activities, 4) coordinate With so much invested in development of the draft management conservation and management activities, and 5) achieve effective In order to provide a comprehensive planning document for plan for the proposed NWHI national marine sanctuary, and operations. The action plans describe the specifi c activities the the monument, the action plans must be revised to refl ect the with many issues addressed within it being very similar to management agencies will undertake to achieve the goals and statutory status of the monument, the inclusion of all agency those facing the monument, the Proclamation states that this objectives, as well as the desired outcomes of each action plan. jurisdictions and terrestrial issues. Agencies, experts and will be the basis for a monument management plan. Specifi cally, The Evaluation Action Plan is devoted exclusively to performance stakeholder input will be solicited through focused meetings it states that to manage the monument, NOAA, in consultation evaluation and describes a process that will help managers to prepare the changes. The revised management plan for the with FWS and the State, “…shall modify, as appropriate, determine if management actions are achieving the desired monument will then be made available for public review. A the plan developed by NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary outcomes, addressing priority management needs, and meeting fi nal complete plan will be issued thereafter.

22 Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument 23 Pacifi c Ocean Biological Survey Program What is out there and how old, and genetic markers suggest that others are even Research can we conserve it? older. Their reproduction is unique, requiring hard work Research From 1963 through 1969, a cadre of biologists from the by both parents for an Smithsonian Institute made ten trips to French Frigate Shoals In the late 20th century, entire year to raise a single to gather data on plants and animals. The Pacifi c Ocean research efforts became more offspring to independence. Biological Survey Program (POBSP) collected a vast amount focused upon conservation But unlike most seabirds, of data from a little known region. The main goals of the of our natural world. This frigatebirds choose new Pacifi c-wide program were to learn what plants and animals NOW paradigm shift stemmed mates each time they breed THEN occurred on the islands, the seasonal variations in their from recognition that advances in technology and growing Each winter, thousands of numbers and reproductive activities and the distribution and human populations have dramatically increased pressures males perform strange court- population of the pelagic birds of that area. During that time, upon our oceans. Our oceans are still poorly understood ship displays that highlight over 4 million square miles of the central Pacifi c Ocean were compared to terrestrial environments. In this new era of their iridescent feathers and What is out there and how A satellite tag attached to this great frigatebird surveyed. Never before had such a vast area been surveyed natural resource management, research using advanced the red balloon-like throat reports where the bird has traveled, and the wing can we use it? tag will verify its identity. One tagged frigatebird was over such an extended period of time. Today, the observations technologies will help to increase our understanding of the pouch, while a much smaller tracked as far as the Philippines, more than 4,500 miles away. Photo: Fish and Wildlife Service. An endless ocean, the vast Pacifi c, and collected in the 1960s help wildlife managers appreciate the marine realm. This information will allow management number of females fly in the islands sprinkled across its surface were importance of long-term monitoring in island ecosystems. agencies to most effectively protect these habitats, their circles around the breeding colony, comparing the attributes seen as a resource ripe for extraction in the 19th and organisms and the natural processes that connect them. of their enthusiastic suitors. 20th centuries. Seabird eggs, feathers, and guano, monk The Tripartite Studies seals, sea turtles and pearl oysters were all harvested from the Movement of Big Predators When not at the breeding colony, frigatebirds fl y long Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Most commercial The National Marine Fisheries Service, Fish and Wildlife distances over the ocean. With 6-foot wingspans but a weight enterprises quickly showed diminishing returns from the Service and Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Top predators such as sharks, of only 3 pounds, they use their glider-like bodies to soar high bountiful yet fragile islands, but research efforts into the Resources signed the Tripartite Cooperative Agreement in jacks and groupers play an in thermals. Birds marked with wing tags and satellite trans- 1980’s continued to focus on how the area’s resources could be 1978. This provided an unprecedented collaborative research important role in marine mitters at French Frigate Shoals have been observed at Laysan, exploitedexploited to meet human needs. opportunity to document relationships between species and ecosystems. By feeding on Midway, Johnston Atoll, Wake Island, and even the Philippines. assess how commercial fi shing and other activities might other organisms, they help to Early Scientifi c Exploration in affect the region’s ecosystems. From 1976 to 1981, the keep the entire ecosystem in A Seal’s-Eye View—Monk Seals and CRITTERCAM the NWHI agencies, along with the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant balance. Program, surveyed the islands, banks, reefs, shelves, and Hawaiian monk seals are on the brink of extinction. Researchers insert an acoustic transmitter into a large seamounts of the NWHI and amassed data on the various tiger shark to track its movement. The transmitter Science-based management Only an estimated 1,300 Hawaiian monk seals survive 19021902 m markedarked t thehe f firstirst W Westernestern data, collected by receiving stations across the marine and land inhabitants. Hawaiian Archipelago, will be used by managers to and protection requires an — most of them making their home in the Northwestern sscientificientifi c expeditionexpedition toto thethe NWHI.NWHI. understand the habitat needs of these wide ranging The U.S. Fish Commission steamer animals. Photo: Robert Schwemmer/NOAA. understanding of the move- Hawaiian Islands. Researchers hope that by using National AlbatrossAlbatross visited what they referred Much of the research conducted in the 1970s and 80s was ment patterns of top predators. Researchers tag sharks and Geographic’s CRITTERCAM, a video camera glued to the to as the “Leeward“Leeward Islands,”Islands,” including resource assessment with an eye towards consumption. A other big fi sh in order to learn about movement patterns in seals’ backs, they can fi nd out what is hindering their survival. “Bird Island” (Nihoa), Laysan, and major goal was to identify resources of economic importance. the Hawaiian Archipelago. These tags can relay information MidwMidway.ay. TheThe fi rstrst photographsphotographs ofof thethe Regardless, the Tripartite studies laid the groundwork for on the shark’s position to underwater listening stations or As the seals swim around, the cameras allow researchers to fl iightlessghtless LaysanLaysan railrail (now(now extinct)extinct) management plans covering a variety of resources ranging to satellites orbiting hundreds of miles above the Earth. see what habitats are used as foraging areas. Some surprising werewere t takenaken o onn t thishis e expedition,xpedition, a andnd from fi sheries stocks to endangered and protected wildlife footage showed adult males cruising over sandy or rocky

Studying the diets of tigersharks newnew speciesspecies ofof deep-waterdeep-water fi shesshes species. Over 100 research projects were conducted under So far, research has shown that the animals are wide-ranging bottoms, fl ipping over large, fl at rocks in search of during the Tripartite studies, 1977. Photo: Mark J. Rauzon. were collected. In 1923 the research the Tripartite agreement. within the atolls and at least two species move between food. This showed scientists that the seals were vessel Tanager ccarriedarried the scientists atolls, crossing the open ocean. One tagged tiger shark not feeding in the atolls as previously believed, to the western edge of the NWHI. Archaeologists traveled from French Frigate Shoals to Kona – 700 miles but many miles out to sea and at depths greater and biologists conducted numerous kinds away. Another traveled from French Frigate Shoals to than 200 feet. of surveys and documented archaeological Midway. Clear patterns of movement have also begun to sites. Scientists also collected fi lm footage. emerge. Ulua (giant trevally) display regular day/night The cameras have also given insight into While on Laysan, the scientists witnessed movements as well as seasonal movement patterns based seal pups’ fi shing techniques. This could the extinction of the Laysan apapane when on the phases of the moon. be valuable information, since in recent the three remaining birds died during a years many seal pups have starved storm. This may be the only time scientists Great Frigatebirds to death. With only 2 out of 10 pups Field camp on Nihoa Island. hahaveve actually observedobserved the extinctionextinction of an Photo: Fish and Wildlife Service. surviving to their second birthday, animal in the wild. At Nihoa and NeckerNecker Great frigatebirds, or ‘iwa, are emblematic of the splendor juvenile mortality is a signifi cant Island, the researchers found artifactsartifacts and and the fragility of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. threat to species survival. Innovative

eextensivextensive ruins, some of which are unlikeunlike anyany The discovery of the Darwin Point, and Recent research has uncovered some surprising things about tools, like CRITTERCAM, are essential how it relates to the origin and fate of known from the main Hawaiian Islands. the Hawaiian Islands, was one of the frigatebirds breeding at French Frigate Shoals. Frigatebirds to collecting the information we need major discoveries during the Tripartite studies. Compliments of Dr. Richard are very long lived, with some individuals at least 44 years to help these remarkable animals survive. W. Grigg. 24 Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument NorthwesterNorthwesternn Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument 25 WHAT YOU CAN DO BRINGING THE PLACE TO THE PEOPLE Painting by Hilo Artist, Layne Luna. This mural covers one large wall at Mokupäpapa Discovery Center for Hawaii’s Remote Coral Reefs, • Learn more about the NWHI and your oceans, NAVIGATING CHANGE in Hilo, Hawai‘i. and how to protect them. • Join our listserve to receive e-updates. “No longer do we seek only the knowledge of how to voyage between islands. • Arrange a talk in your community. We seek lessons to carry home to our children - ways to inspire the present • Volunteer. generation to love and preserve our Earth as a sanctuary for those who will • Attend our public meetings. inherit it.” • Encourage others to get informed and involved. — Nainoa Thompson, Navigator, Höküle‘a GET INVOLVED

Whether you are just now learning about the Northwestern Navigator Nainoa Thompson at Pearl Kamehameha School students explore NWHI Mokupäpapa Discovery Center for Hawaii’s and Hermes Atoll. Photo: NOAA. through interactive exhibits at Mokupäpapa Remote Coral Reefs, in Hilo, Hawai‘i. Photo: NOAA. Hawaiian Islands, or have been actively involved with this Discovery Center in Hilo. Photos: James Watt. place for years, we ask for your continued support in Geologically the oldest in the Hawaiian chain, the Northwestern Center for Hawaii’s Remote Coral Reefs in Hilo. In addition, caring for this unique and vast ocean region. Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) offer a glimpse back in time to a few educators each year are able to participate in expeditions when the lands and waters were healthy and teeming with life. to the region and subsequently share their experience with These still-wild ecosystems contain powerful lessons for those their students and communities. Articles and lesson plans from The complete revised management plan for the of us in the main Hawaiian Islands who are witnessing the the past few years can be found at: www.hawaiianatolls.org monument will be made available for public decline of our fi nite island resources. review. The management plan is the document They teach us the importance of caring The new national monument In 2001, the NWHI co-trustees, Bishop that will set the resource management Volunteer Laura Thompson counts framework for the monument into the future. for the natural world on which our lives creates a new opportunity Museum, the Polynesian Voyaging Society albatrosses at Midway Atoll. Photo: Fish and Wildlife Service. The public review period will provide an and livelihoods depend, and they give us for ocean education and and a host of other community and a living model to guide restoration efforts. government agencies joined forces to opportunity to offer your input on how best to conserve and manage the The Hawaiian Archipelago is one of the research for decades to come. form the Navigating Change educational monument for generations to come. few places in the world where large-scale Successful ocean stewardship partnership. Inspired by the vision of the comparisons of impacted and un-impacted depends on informed policy late Pinky Thompson and his son Nainoa, reef and island ecosystems of similar the partnership built an educational program We welcome your mana‘o, your thoughts on how you think the species and geography can be made. makers and an informed public. that extends Höküle‘a journeys to the area should be managed, and hope you will take the time to get – President George W. Bush NWHI into schools statewide. These involved. The important thing to remember is that this is But the remoteness of this vast ocean classroom voyages of discovery challenge your ocean treasure, and for those who live in Hawai‘i, region presents special challenges as to how these lessons students to change their values, attitudes and behaviors, your back yard. can be shared. With access strictly limited, most people are and encourage them to get actively involved in community unable to experience the place directly. Thus, the monument efforts to mälama and restore the marine and terrestrial and its partners have created a spectrum of educational and environments where they live. For more information about the Northwestern experiential opportunities that indirectly connect people Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument with the NWHI and its biological, historical and cultural The Hawai‘i Maritime Center, next to Aloha Tower, also please visit our website at: http://hawaiireef.noaa.gov or contact wonders – in effect, “bringing the place to the people,” rather hosts an interactive Navigating Change exhibit where visitors Stout moray eel, puhi, Gymnothorax eurostus, at the monument offi ce at: 808-397-2660. Midway Atoll. Photo: © 2005, David Liittschwager than the people to the place. can role-play being a scientist exploring the NWHI on a and Susan Middleton. research cruise. The monument’s educational initiatives include distance learning, presentations and events promoting ocean conser- To learn more about Navigating Change curriculum or up- vation, teacher workshops, and the Mokupäpapa Discovery coming teacher workshops, visit: www.navigatingchange.org

Polynesian Voyaging Society Hawai‘i State Department of Land and Natural Bishop Museum Resources U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Hawai‘i State Department of Education National Fish and Wildlife Foundation University of Hawai‘i Mänoa GET INVOLVED National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Harold K. L. Castle Foundation

26 Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument 27 PHOTOS COURTESY LIITTSCHWAGERDAVID AND SUSAN MIDDLETON

A major part of Hawai‘i is now a national monument. Come find out more. THE NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN Public Information Meetings 6-8 pm ISLANDS are 140,000 square miles of SEPTEMBER ocean wilderness in our own back yard. Sept. 25: Moloka‘i - Kulana ‘O¯iwi Halau Safe haven for fish, honu, monk seals, Sept. 27: Maui - Maui Arts and Cultural Center seabirds, corals and limu.With strong ties Sept. 28: La¯na‘i - La¯na‘i Library to Native Hawaiian culture and practices. OCTOBER In becoming a marine national Oct. 2: Wai‘anae - Wai‘anae District Park monument, this special ocean region Oct. 3: Honolulu - Japanese Cultural Center has been accorded the nation’s highest Oct. 4: Kane‘ohe - He‘eia Kea State Park form of marine environmental protection. Oct. 5: Kaua‘i - Aloha Beach Resort, Kapa‘a Come to the public meeting and learn more Oct. 10: Kona - King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel Oct. 11: Hilo - Mokupa¯papa: Discovery Center about it.

Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument www.hawaiireef.noaa.gov