What We Do
Refuges use a wide range of land management tools based on the best science available. Our Refuge conservation toolbox includes: invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species control, habitat restoration, and removal of infrastructure to provide more habitat
The principal refuge management objective on land is to enhance the quality of habitat for the full diversity of nesting seabird species. This is being accomplished by preventing the reintroduction of rats, by controlling noxious plants and by replanting specific areas with native vegetation.
Several steps have already been taken or are underway to minimize human activities that adversely impact wildlife. Examples include the elimination of overhead wiring, the modification of lights that disorient night-flying birds and the timing of construction or repair activities to reduce wildlife impacts. Some particularly important beaches have been declared "off limits" to encourage undisturbed use of these areas by Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles.
Management and Conservation
Monument Management Plan
Following a tradition started by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1909, on June 15, 2006, President George W. Bush established the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument, setting apart 139,793 square miles of federal lands and waters to protect the area’s significant natural, cultural, and historic resources. The monument is managed by the Department of the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in close coordination with the State of Hawai‘i.
Included within the National Marine Monument are two National Wildlife Refuges: the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge extending from Nihoa Island to Manawai (Pearl and Hermes Atoll), and Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Midway Atoll (Kuaihelani) also is designated as the Battle of Midway National Memorial. The National Monument also includes the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve administered by NOAA and the State Marine Refuge managed by the State of Hawai‘i. On February 28, 2007, the proclamation was amended to give the monument a Native Hawaiian name - Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
Our Projects and Research
Several steps have been taken or are underway to minimize human activities that adversely impact wildlife. Examples include the elimination of overhead wiring, the modification of lights that disorient night-flying birds and the timing of construction or repair activities to reduce wildlife impacts. Some particularly important beaches have been declared "off limits" to encourage undisturbed use of these areas by seals.
Marine Protection
Protect shoreline and marine habitat that supports bird, wildlife, and fish species, and their critical life activities such as resting, feeding, nesting, fledging, migrating, etc. No public access is allowed.
Verbesina Control Project
Control is focused on hand pulling Verbesina in sensitive areas where wetlands and high densities of native plants occur, and spraying appropriate herbicides.
Revegetation/Habitat
Midway Atoll is a highly disturbed system that hosts multiple non-native and invasive plant species, toxic materials, and a legacy of human development that together have created significant adverse impact on indigenous species and their habitat.
Mosquito Control
Mosquitos were accidentally introduced to the refuge in the early 1900s and act as vectors to transmit avian pox to seabirds. A large scale program was initiated between 2004 to 2007 to eliminate the majority of the mosquito breeding sites. This work seems to have been successful and now very few cases of avian pox are observed on the refuge.
Lead Paint Abatement
Lead paint that chips off buildings at Midway is inadvertently ingested by a portion of the albatross chicks on the refuge. This can lead to nervous system damage and death. The refuge has received funding to remove lead paint from the buildings and soil to reduce lead-induced mortality in albatross chicks.
AREAS:
Inner Harbor
This includes the historic Inner Harbor and its associated shoreline, piers, and facilities. One of two approaches to the island (via boat or plane), the inner harbor is critical to the transportation of goods and services. The harbor also allows for refuge staff to operate vessels for access to other areas of the atoll.
Airfield Operations
Airfield operations on Sand Island use the historic Henderson Airfield (airport code PMDY) and includes the new operations center, the old hangar, the active runway, and inactive runway portions. The airfield operations are critical to Refuge operations, permitting transportation of services and goods, and aviation activities.
Historic and Primary Development
Sand Island’s historic core and redevelopment area, is also referred to as "town". It delineates an area that is highly significant in terms of historic development patterns on Sand Island related to the Cable Company historic period (early 1900s) and World War II historic period (1940s). One of the principal goals of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge is to preserve and interpret these unique historical resources.
Research
The diverse populations of fish and wildlife, coupled with the capability to provide logistical support to investigators, make Midway Atoll an ideal site to conduct long-term scientific research. Data resulting from these projects are critical to the conservation of Midway's natural resources.
Termite Control
Termite control was reinitiated around a portion of the buildings at Midway. With appropriate funding, this program may be expanded to included all historical and functional use buildings.
Seabird Protection Project
Midway is famous for its seabirds, including the most famous bird in the world, Wisdom, a Laysan albatross. Explore the plan to protect Midwayʻs seabirds and address one of the main threats to them.
Seabird Protection Project Regulatory Documents:
Final Environmental Assessment and FONSI
NOAA/NMFS Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Recommendation
Moving Black-Footed Albatross to Oahu
Why put albatross chicks on a 1300 mile plane ride from Midway Atoll to Oʻahu and Mexico?
Honoring Those Who Served
Each year, the Service leads and coordinates events, which continue to honor the World War II veterans at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial.
Laws and Regulations
Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial is currently closed to public visitation. Only activities that directly support airfield operations and conservation management of the Refuge/Memorial and the Monument are allowed.
All activities and entrance into the refuge require a permit. Please review the Papahānaumokuākea's permitting program website for more information.