Papahānaumokuākea Photo Series: A Living Heritage That Reminds Us of The Interconnectedness of All Life on Earth

Conservation Photography, Issue 100 - September 2023

In the depths of Papahānaumokuākea, we find the mysteries of the ocean, the wonders of evolution, and the importance of protecting our fragile ecosystems.

A commensal brittle star on a deep-sea pink coral photographed at Salmon Bank in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. © NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research 2015
This Coronate Jelly was seen North of Pioneer Bank in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. © NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, Hohonu Moana 2016
© kris krüg

Papahānaumokuākea is a testament to the power of conservation and collaboration, where science, culture, and nature come together to create a sanctuary for all living.

The NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP) leads national efforts to research, prevent, and reduce the impacts
of marine debris in partnership with state and local agencies, tribes, non-governmental organizations, academia, and industry. 
 
Each year the USFWS, the State of Hawaii, and NOAA staff and volunteers collect tons of marine debris from the atolls and throughout Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. 
 
Learn more about this joint clean-up effort HERE!
Beautiful & fluffy baby Albatross chicks are heroic little messengers warning us of our future if we continue our current relationship with single-use disposable plastic. © Kris Krüg
Two red-footed boobies with bright colourful beaks. © Mark Sullivan/NOAA.
Dr. Sylvia Earle talks to an albatross nesting among marine debris © Andy Collins, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
© kris krüg

Papahānaumokuākea represents a profound connection between humanity and the natural world, reminding us of our responsibility to protect and preserve our planet’s most precious places.” – Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer

The artist Wyland photographed this shark while diving on Kronos Reef with Dr. Sylvia Earle and others. Midway Atoll National Wildlife RefugePapahānaumokuākea Marine National MonumentJanuary 2012. © Wyland

Black-footed albatross flying along the beach at Midway Atoll. © Eric VanderWerf
Displaying Male Frigate Bird – Journey to Midway Island © Kris Krüg
Albatross flying on beach. © Eric VanderWerf
Green sea turtles / honu (Chelonia mydas) form a circle on the shore. © Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are home to more than 7,000 marine species, including the Bluefin Trevally. © James Watt
Tiger shark / niuhi (Galeocerdo cuvier). © Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
A tiger shark / niuhi (Galeocerdo cuvier) seen on the west side of Lisianski Island in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument during the peak of the Laysan Albatross fledgling / mōlī (Phoebastria immutabilis) season in June-July. © Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
Sharks and other large fish are common on most reefs throughout the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, one of the few marine ecosystems remaining on the planet still dominated by apex predators. © James Watt

As we stand on the shores of Papahānaumokuākea, we are humbled by the grandeur of the natural world and inspired to be better stewards of our environment.

Hawaiian monk seal / ilioholokauaua (Neomonachus schauinslandi) pup. © Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

Photo Banner: A predatory sea star slowly works its way up a bamboo coral on an unnamed seamount in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Credit: NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research

This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media