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Strengthen Protection of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem

A beautiful, remote string of islands, reefs and atolls lies some 120 nautical miles west of the main Hawaiian Islands. The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) encompass close to 70% of our country's coral reefs, including some of our most pristine shallow-water reefs. This ecosystem is an irreplaceable national treasure.

Endangered green sea turtles, the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, and a myriad of bird species rely heavily on the islands and surrounding waters for survival. But there are serious threats to this incredible ecosystem. Lobster and finfish fishing, proposed coral harvests, and marine debris all threaten the fragile island chain.

The federal government is now considering designating the area a National Marine Sanctuary. We need your help and comments today to ensure that the designation will include the strongest possible protections for these islands and their magnificent ecosystem.

Please sign the petition below and help ensure we leave a legacy of wild and healthy oceans!
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To Vice Admiral Conrad Lautenbacher U.S. Navy (Ret.),
Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin.:

I support the strongest possible protections for the nearly pristine, yet fragile ecosystem of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. This area contains nearly 70 percent of our Nation’s coral reef resources and is home to endangered sea turtles and the Hawaiian monk seal.

In the next few months, as you present your proposed sanctuary designation for this vital area to the regional fishery council, I urge you to increase existing protections for this incredible ecosystem. These protections should include:

* a prohibition of any new finfish fishing, beyond historic levels;
* a continued and permanent ban on lobster fishing;
* an absolute prohibition against the extraction of any corals; and,
* the continuation of existing and establishment of new no-take areas.

We must ensure that the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands receive the strongest possible protections so that through our stewardship we leave a legacy of a healthy, vibrant ocean ecosystem.
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