What is special about the NWHI?
The healthiest and least disturbed coral reefs in U.S. waters are found in the NWHI. The NWHI ecosystem includes approximately 3,910 square nautical miles (5,178 square miles) of coral reef habitat with a diverse and unique assemblage of fish, invertebrates, birds, sea turtles, marine mammals and other species. The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands include a much greater diversity of reef habitats than the main Hawaiian Islands, and provide vital habitat to a variety of federally protected species. These include the threatened green sea turtle, over 14 million seabirds, endangered land birds and plants, and several species of marine mammals, including the endangered Hawaiian monk seal.
