3.1.1 This area is of high scientific interest
and offers unparalleled opportunity for research. Given the fact that
the NWHI are remote and rich with marine and terrestrial life, they
provide one of the few areas in the world where researchers can conduct
large-scale comparisons between human-impacted marine ecosystems and
un-impacted marine ecosystems (Citizen’s Guide; Friedlander
and DeMartini 2002). Such comparisons may serve as a living model
to guide restoration efforts elsewhere.
3.1.2 As further evidence of the importance of
this area for research, in October 2006 an international team of biologists
made discoveries in French Frigate Shoals of several new species of
coral, sea stars, snails, and clams. The researchers also discovered
over one hundred species never before seen in French Frigate Shoals
and many of which may have been previously unknown to science (Associated
Press 2006). These scientific discoveries suggest that much research
remains to be done to fully understand and appreciate this complex
ecosystem.
3.1.3 Research and monitoring conducted by United
States federal and state agencies, academic institutions, and other
organizations over the last 30 years have contributed substantially
to the understanding of natural and anthropogenic factors influencing
the NWHI and the interconnectedness of the physical and biological
processes along the entire Hawaiian Island chain. Ongoing research
and monitoring of the marine ecosystems in the NWHI will continue
to provide significant insights that will benefit management not only
for the NWHI but in the entire Hawaiian Island chain and marine ecosystems
around the world.