Remote Hawaiian Islands Now National Monument
President Bush today announced the establishment of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Stretching a distance of more than 1,200 miles, the new sanctuary encompasses scores of miniature islands, atolls, and shoals. The protected zone also includes the wildlife-rich coral reefs surrounding the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Over 7,000 species inhabit the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and many are rare, threatened, or endangered. Tiger sharks, manta rays, gray reef sharks, Hawaiian monk seals, humpback whales, sperm whales, spinner dolphins, black-footed albatrosses, brown boobies, white terns, sea stars, and sea urchins, are just a few of the region's inhabitants.
"The national monument we're establishing today covers nearly 140,000 square miles. To put this area in context, this national monument is more than 100 times larger than Yosemite National Park, larger than 46 of our 50 states, and more than seven times larger than all our national marine sanctuaries combined. This is a big deal." ~ President Bush
The islands and surrounding waters team with thousands of birds, reptiles, mammals, fish, and invertebrates.
Fortunately for the wildlife of the region, the remote Northwest Hawaiian Islands are rather well insulated from human interference.
Visitors are only allowed on Midway Island. And to get there is no easy task. Those up to the challenge must first obtain a permit, then fly to Hawaii, and finally brave rough seas in a boat for three days to get to Midway Island.
Find out more:
- Vast Hawaii Sea Area Now a National Monument (NPR)
- Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve (NOAA)
- National Marine Sanctuaries (NOAA)
- President Sets Aside Largest Marine Conservation Area on Earth (NOAA)
- How to Pronounce 'Papahānaumokuākea' (NOAA)
Photo © Thomas Hruschka / Shutterstock. Humpback Whale, Megaptera novaeangliae.
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