Summary

Description

Overall, there is a need to bring all refuges in line with the new National Wildlife Refuge System mission, goals, and policies, as described in the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 Improvement Act. A Comprehensive Conservation Plan CCP, required by the Improvement Act, is needed to address significant problems that may adversely affect the populations and habitats of fish, wildlife and plants and the actions necessary to correct or mitigate such problems. Specifically, problems and opportunities at Rose Atoll include: insufficient management access and surveillance; ensuring biological integrity, diversity and environmental health of refuge lands, seabird and migratory shorebird populations, coral reefs and associated waters; the need to restore degraded reef habitat; the need to evaluate and manage visitor use; the need to monitor, evaluate and control threats such as invasive species, illegal harvesting and fishing, illegal trespass on refuge lands, coral reefs and waters; and the need to instigate and maintain a comprehensive, consistent biological monitoring program. In addition, the Improvement Act requires the Service to consider increasing opportunities for people to experience wildlifedependent recreation. The purpose of this Report is to advise the Service personnel involved in constructing the Rose Atoll NWR CCP on the refuges human environment, physical environment, and ecological setting.