The emerged islands represent some of the last remaining habitats for seabirds, endangered monk seals and the threatened green sea turtle to survive upon. The NWHI are part of the public trust and offer a chance protect the unique and irreplaceable ecosystems of these remote islands and atolls. The also offer the opportunity to examine what could occur if larger, more effective no-take marine protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries were established in the main Islands. These areas should not only be set aside for their intrinsic value, but also for their value to enhance fishing in adjacent areas and hedge against species collapses, especially those resulting from inadequate management of fishery resources in the main islands. All rights reserved.
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