September 2006

 

Abercrombie Visits Northwestern Hawaiian Isles, Vows Stronger Protections

Dear friends:

When the President proclaimed the establishment of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands National Monument on June 15, 2006, it was a huge victory for those of us who have been fighting for more than a decade to protect this unique ecosystem.

It was an affirmation of our efforts to protect Hawaii’s unique marine ecosystems, notably including the establishment of the Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary. Looking back to my efforts during the Clinton Administration to protect the area’s coral reefs, I recall a fight we fought virtually alone. Now our work is moving forward with National Monument status. Our challenge is to consolidate this latest victory.

Last month, I had a unique chance to get a first-hand look at the virtually untouched magnificence of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. During a visit to Midway, which lies near the end of the chain, I saw the area’s teeming wildlife, its isolation and its fragility. The Pacific Ocean is an immense barrier to human contact, but the islands are still vulnerable. We saw that vulnerability in the mounds of marine debris washed ashore, and we know that commercial fishing threatens the sustainability of the area’s fish populations.

The moment you set foot on Midway Atoll you notice the amazing profusion of life, beauty and wildness of the place. Thousands of birds crowd the skies, monk seals frolic with their pups, and you are overwhelmed by the dazzling beauty of crystal blue water and unobstructed skies. But despite the captivating views, many signs point to the need for more protection and further work.  Ocean debris chokes marine wildlife and is hauled out of the ocean by the ton. Plastics litter the land and fill the bellies of birds who mistake the shiny pieces for food.  Verbesina and other invasive plants cover vast stretches of the island, displacing native vegetation which provides needed cover and nesting areas for birds and ducks. 

It would be a mistake, therefore, to sit back and think National Monument designation is the end of the story. Monument status can be a fragile thing, and the isolation of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands presents unique challenges for protection and enforcement. It will take real effort to make sure the resources are available to do the job. I will be looking at legislative options to strengthen protection for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, assuring its permanency and guaranteeing a funding stream for the agencies responsible for enforcement and protection.

There’s still a lot of work to be done before the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands have protection fully in place. I remain committed to building on our achievements until we attain that goal. I believe the attached photos taken on my visit show that it’s worth the effort.

Aloha,

Neil Abercrombie

Member of Congress