Introduction

About the Series

The four book series, Explore the National Marine Sanctuaries with Jean-Michel Cousteau has been developed in partnership with the National Marine Sanctuary system and Ocean Future Society. Text in italics is excerpted from the previously, limited-edition book America’s Underwater Treasures by Jean-Michel Cousteau and Julie Robinson with photography by Carrie Vonderhatt. That book describes the experience and research of Jean-Michel Cousteau and his Ocean Futures Team while diving all 13 underwater marine sanctuaries and the one underwater marine monument. Their experiences is captured in a film by the same name aired on PBS as part of Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Adventures. The current series is offered to make information on these vital sanctuaries even more inclusive for the American public.

Each book in the series takes readers to one of the four regions of the country into which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has organized its management of the National Marine Sanctuaries. This book, Explore the Pacific Islands National Marine Sanctuaries with Jean-Michel Cousteau, visits sanctuaries and a national monument off Hawaii and American Samoa. The other books in the series are: Explore the Southeast National Marine Sanctuaries with Jean-Michel Cousteau, Explore the West Coast National Marine Sanctuaries with Jean-Michel Cousteau and Explore the Northeast National Marine Sanctuaries with Jean-Michel Cousteau.

The first National Marine Sanctuary in the United States was established only decades ago, while Yellowstone, the oldest of the American National Parks ,was created in 1872. By comparison the parks, these natural marine jewels were damaged upon arrival. Only small portions remain pristine. For many, their destinations arose amidst threats to one or a number of aspects to their survival. Like terrestrial parks, these are special habitats, managed zones for the recovery of critical species like humpback whales or juvenile rockfish but, most importantly, they attempt to preserve the integrity of the web of life.

Ironically, we discovered that managing these resources for sustainability was in truth an exercise in managing ourselves. And that’s not bad, as we’re still learning, an easy job. At each destination we were privileged witnesses to the real-time drama of marine conservation playing out across the United States. At the heart of it, we found a powerful paradigm shift happening in environmentalism. Fishermen, environmentalists and scientists from opposite sides of the aisle were sitting down together with rolled-up sleeves, poring through scientific research, debating the merits of reserves and restoration, and coming to terms with the new definition of sanctuary. “These are,” as Dan Basta, past director of the National Marine Sanctuary System, reminded us, “still works in progress.”

The National Marine Sanctuaries’ Pacific Islands Region

The marine life found throughout the Insular Pacific Islands has shaped the way of life for this region for thousands of years. For most people, the Pacific Islands conjure up visions of palm trees, beautiful beaches and a variety of ocean activities. But there is another world beneath the waves where amazing creatures swim through tropical waters that range from abyssal deeps to shallow, stunning coral reefs.

Two ocean areas in Hawaii and one in Samoa have been set aside to help preserve the region’s special natural and cultural heritage. NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Pacific Islands Region manages these marine protected areas in partnership with the State of Hawaii and the Territory of American Samoa Department of Commerce.

This book will introduce traders to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Sanctuary, the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument