Papahānaumokuākea is a remarkable place -- home to unique wildlife, captivating terrestrial and marine habitats, and an exceptional array of cultural resources.
Papahānaumokuākea is a remarkable place -- home to unique wildlife, captivating terrestrial and marine habitats, and an exceptional array of cultural resources. This 1,350 mile stretch of reefs, islands, seamounts, banks and shoals supports an incredible diversity of coral, fish, birds, and marine mammals, including species like the Hawaiian monk seal, Hawaiian green turtle, and Laysan albatross.
NOAA has published a peer-reviewed State of the Monument report that was jointly produced by the co-trustees of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The report includes information on the status and trends of living resources, habitats, ocean conditions, maritime and cultural archaeological resources, and the human activities and natural events that affect them.
The data used in the report were collected from research over the last 10 years. Assessments of status and trends involved scientists and researchers from the monument’s management agencies and partners, and were based on the most recent data available as well as expert opinion.
Located northwest of the main Hawaiian islands, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is virtually unpopulated. Because of its isolation, scale, and high degree of protection, the monument provides an unrivalled example of reef ecosystems still dominated by top predators such as sharks. This is not seen in most other island environments due to human activity.
Continue reading at NOAA.
Image via Kaleomanu‘iwa Wong.
