Interesting report. Ric could relate the history better than I, but it was TIGHAR's use of the Naia that got Rob Barrell and Cat Holloway interested in the Phoenix Islands as we chartered the boat for our trips to Nikumaroro. They were so impressed with the pristine conditions and abundant fauna they found that they related the amazing opportunity to Greg Stone and others to visit and study these reefs. That led to the 2000 and later NEAQ trips out there.
In 2001 When we dove much of the reef between the landing channel and the NW tip of the island, it was an incredibly vital reef, but by 2007 when we returned, the lack of fish in terms of numbers and diversity was noticeably reduced.
It is good to see that a reef can rehabilitate itself, provided the adverse conditions subside.
Andrew