Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 17, Number 8, 1 ʻAukake 2000 — Reefs plan [ARTICLE]

Reefs plan

On May 26, in an effort to protect Hawai'i's coral reef ecosystems and their threatened and endangered species, President Clinton issued an Executive Order establishing a Northwestem Hawaiian Islands Marine Protected Area (NWHI MPA). The reefs of the NorthSee BRIEFS on page 12

BRIEFS

From page 3 west Hawaiian Islands represent nearly 70 percent of coral reefs in U.S. waters. They encompass more than 1 1 ,000 square kilometers, providing shelter for a variety of fish, invertebrates, birds, sea turtles and marine mammals. The president, in cooperation with the State of Hawai'i will assess ongoing efforts to protect the coral reef ecosystem, identify further measures needed to protect the threatened and endangered species of the ecosystem including the monk seal and the green sea turtle, consider establishing a framework for scientifie research and exploration as well as for recreation and tourism, and develop a framework for long-term management of the reefs. Efforts to gain a voice for Hawaiians in the management of NWHI MPA are underway. Several individuals are currently working on a draft plan to form a committee that will oversee the establishment and management of the NWHI MPA. If this plan is accepted, Hawaiians will be represented on the 1 l-member decision-making committee.