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An expedition of monument proportion

Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
Marine National Monument Expedition

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The NOAA ship Hi’ialakai (“embracing the pathways of the sea”) is on a 28-day voyage to the farthest reaches of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. They began this expedition on June 23, 2006.

This is the first expedition to this area since President Bush's proclamation designating it the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument.

This multidisciplinary research expedition includes a benthic habitat mapping team, maritime archaeologists and interpretation of this research through education and outreach specialists.

NOAA ship Hi'ialakai
NOAA ship Hi'ialakai
The Hi’ialakai recently returned from an expedition to French Frigate Shoals in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll to complete work related to ecosystem connectivity, apex predator tagging and movement studies, and coral reef health assessment.

On June 23, the research vessel set sail with 20 scientists and educators in order to conduct further studies at Kure Atoll, the northernmost atoll in the Hawaiian Islands Archipelago, and at Pearl and Hermes Atoll.

Follow their progress via their mission logs and photos they send by clicking on the dates over on the right.


Mission Background

mission plan Mission Plan
From June 23 through July 20, 2006, a multidisciplinary team of scientists, archaeologists and educators will explore the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

maritime heritage Maritime Heritage
A team of six maritime archaeologists from NOAA's Maritime Heritage Program will embark upon the second maritime heritage expedition to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands aboard the NOAA ship Hi'ialakai.

maritime heritage Education
Bringing the Place to the People: Expanding Understanding and Awareness of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

maritime heritage Mapping
Benthic habitat mapping and characterization is a fundamental component of ecosystem-based coral reef management.

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