1.1.1 The Papahānaumokuākea Marine
National Monument (North-western Hawaiian Islands or NWHI) supports
a unique, dynamic coral reef ecosystem, which, thanks to its relative
isolation, is among the healthiest in the world (Citizen’s Guide
2006). It is one of the last remaining large-scale wilderness coral
reef ecosystems on the planet and the largest coral reef ecosystem
in the marginal tropical seas (Cousteau 2003). Approximately one-quarter
of the species found in the NWHI are endemic to the Hawaiian Island
chain, which is one of the highest rates of marine endemism in the
world (Friedlander et al. 2005; Citizen’s Guide 2006). The proportion
of scientifically non-described coral reef species (e.g., sponges,
corals, algae, and other invertebrates) in this area is one of the
highest in the world (Cousteau 2003). The NWHI also contain important
breeding and nesting grounds for a number of species, many of which
are at risk, including the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal,
the threatened green sea turtle, and 19 species of seabirds (Henderson
2001; NOAA 2004b; Citizen’s Guide 2006).
1.1.2 The uniqueness of this area was expressed
in 2003 by ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau in his Voyage
to Kure expedition log: “These islands are a celebration
of the uniqueness brought on by isolation. Along this ribbon of life,
we found teeming populations of spinner dolphins and large apex predators
such as reef sharks, jacks, and groupers. We encountered many of the
Hawaiian endemic species of reef fish, including the rare masked angelfish
and Hawaiian grouper; all perfect reminders of an intact coral reef
ecosystem” (Cousteau 2003).