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Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

NWHI MAP

Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Map (Thumbnail)

In June, 2006, President George W. Bush declared the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands a national monument, signing Presidential Proclamation 8031. The monument was later re-named the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Monument, by executive order. The action protected one of the last intact marine ecosystems in the world, one that is home to sharks, whales, extensive coral reefs and the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. The marine reserve will be free from commercial and extractive activities, allowing the entire marine ecosystem to continue to thrive for future generations.

The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI), located approximately 120 nautical miles west of the main Hawaiian Islands, stretch northwest for more than 1,200 miles. Covering thousands of square nautical miles and encompassing a vast number of coral reefs, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands possess many massive, ancient coral colonies, some measuring almost 80 feet tall. Current studies show that at least ten percent of the United States' coral reefs may be found in the NWHI. The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands support more than 7,000 marine species; many of these are rare and about one-quarter are endemic (found nowhere else on Earth). The Islands are also home to several threatened and endangered wildlife species, including Hawaiian monk seals, and hawksbill, leatherback, and green sea turtles.

In addition to their ecological importance, the islands are very important cultural and religious sites to indigenous Hawaiians. Native peoples have used and lived on some of these islands for more than 1,000 years and have been at the forefront of efforts to protect their natural heritage.

Threats to the NWHI
At the turn of the century, western ships plied the waters of the NWHI for seals, whales, sharks, pearl oysters, and sea cucumbers. More recently, small scale commercial fishing operations, many of them based out of the main Hawaiian Islands, have targeted lobster, bottomfish, and other pelagic and reef fish.

Marine debris is another major threat. As the currents pass by the islands, they deposit debris picked up thousands of miles away, smothering coral, entangling marine life, and littering beaches with an assortment of fishing nets, gear, and plastic pieces carried from populated fishing areas.

One of the greatest threats in the future of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands may be the effects of climate change. The major threats from climate change include increased temperature, sea level rise, decreased ocean salinity, acidification, shifting ocean currents and wind patterns, and amplified extreme events such as droughts, floods, heat waves, and the intensity of hurricanes.

Ocean Conservancy continues working to preserve the NWHI, one of the few pristine marine ecosystems within United States jurisdiction.

Background Materials

Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in the News