NOAA Reports State of Papahānaumokuākea Culture and its Natural Resources

NOAA has just reported the state of the culture and natural resources of the Marine National Monument of Papahānaumokuākea. This report details the trends and status of its ocean, habitats, culture, archaeological treasures, maritime resources, and the natural events and human activities that influence them.

It compiled the researches conducted within the past decade involving various agencies of the monument and their partners, basing the assessment on the latest available data and input of experts.

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Pristine reef ecosystem and natural resources

The Marine National Monument of Papahānaumokuākea is found northwest of the main islands of Hawaii. It is unpopulated, isolated, and highly protected. This makes it unrivaled as a reef ecosystem. Because of human activity, this condition is not present in the majority of other islands.

Cultural significance

The area is also very important for the natives of Hawaii, having a spiritual place in their cosmology. The Mokumanamana and Nihoa islands have cultural sites that are named as Historic Places in State and National Registers. The former is among the islands of the state that has the most sacred sites.

Papahānaumokuākea also has other historic resources dating after its contact with Western civilization, like artifacts associated with its maritime histories, such as commercial whaling in the 1800s and the Battle of Midway.

Status of human impacts

So far, human impacts in the monument are considerably few, with its marine environment still in an almost pristine state. Most areas relatively have good to fair status. Nonetheless, some of the marine habitats have been affected by various factors, such as abandoned gear from fisheries, storms, nuisance algal colonies, and bleaching of corals.

As for terrestrial areas, there have been many negative effects. Human activity in the past altered the vegetation and soil; alien species abound, and contamination exists. These issues are continually addressed through the restoration of habitats, removal of aliens, reduction of contamination, and assistance of endangered species to rebound increase resilience from stress.

Many threats to ecosystems are posed by human activities. In the past, a number of scientific, military, and commercial activities have threatened the area.

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Relatively pristine areas

Some coral reefs in shallow areas have experienced bleaching and have been disturbed by natural events. Meanwhile, habitats in deeper waters continue to be almost pristine.

In the entire monument, the coastal and inland waters have relatively good quality, while in contrast, atmospheric and oceanic conditions are affected by sea-level rise and increase in storms and increased water temperatures.

The use of the monument is currently limited to management activities, education, practices of Native Hawaiians, and research.

Managing habitats of rare fauna

Many environments are habitats of rare animals such as green turtles, Hawaiian monk seals, and 21 seabird species.

The monument also serves as home to four out of the 48 endemic bird species and subspecies in Hawaii. This includes the Laysan duck, the most endangered species of duck in the world. Current management for this animal includes the improvement of habitat, disease prevention, and translocation strategies.

Historical resources

The monument's cultural, maritime, and historical resources are in decline due to erosion, weathering, and corrosion. The archaeological study, artifact conservation, and documentation are being conducted.

Looking to the future

This NOAA report is valuable for managers who will undertake the present and future management of the area. It will assist in identifying priorities and making management decisions concerning the many aspects of the culture and natural resources of Papahānaumokuākea.