[4] The island, a sand and gravel spit that formed part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, was a habitat for Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles, both of which are endangered species.

[2] Charles Littnan, of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, described the island as "the most important single islet for [green] sea turtle nesting".

[2] During World War II a U.S. Coast Guard radio navigation station was built on East Island and operated from 1944 to 1952.

[8] In 1935 a "tent city" was placed on East Island to support Naval maneuvers in the region, which included exercises with ships and seaplanes.

[7] In October 1936, the USS Wright (AV-1) came to the shoals, and established a base on East Island to support a month of seaplane operations.