• review the status and adequacy of all ongoing efforts to protect the coral reef ecosystem, including proposed no-take ecological reserves and the ongoing work of the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council;

• to the extent permitted by law, ensure that any actions that the Departments of the Interior and Commerce authorize, fund, or carry out will not degrade the conditions of the coral reef ecosystems;

• identify any further measures necessary to protect cultural and historic resources and artifacts;

• identify any further measures necessary for the protection of the ecosystem's threatened and endangered species, including the endangered monk seal, sea turtles, and short-tailed albatross;

• establish a framework for scientific research and exploration;

• establish a framework for facilitating recreation and tourism in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands consistent with the protection and sustainable management of the ecosystem;

• provide for culturally significant uses of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands' marine resources by Native Hawaiians; and

• address the development of a cooperative framework, in consultation with the State of Hawaii and the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, to ensure that the goals set forth above will be implemented in a cooperative manner, consistent with existing authorities.

The President specifically directed the Departments of the Interior and Commerce to conduct "visioning sessions, which would provide opportunities for public hearing and comment to help shape the final recommendations." A summary report on the input gained from the public during these sessions will be included with the recommendations sent to the President.

We hope the background information provided in this handout will be helpful to you as you develop your input.

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