What activities currently occur in the NWHI coral reef ecosystem?
One fishery (bottomfish) is currently active in federal waters of the NWHI; two additional Fishery Management Plans for crustaceans (lobster) and precious corals, that are not currently active. There is also some recreational fishing in the area. Federal and state agencies conduct a variety of other activities, such as research, monitoring and enforcement, and education to fulfill their management responsibilities for federal and state resources, including the Midway Atoll and Hawaiian Island National Wildlife Refuges, and the state wildlife refuge on Kure to help protect and recover protected, threatened and endangered species. The NWHI coral reef ecosystem is also the site of ongoing scientific and monitoring activities to explore, map and better understand the unique ecosystem. These efforts are often joint projects among many partners, including the National Marine Fisheries Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, the University of Hawai
