Welcome to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
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Midway, part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, is one of the world's most spectacular wildlife experiences. Nearly three million birds call it home for much of each year, including the world's largest population of Laysan Albatrosses, or "gooney birds". Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles and spinner dolphins frequent Midway's crystal blue lagoon.
Midway became an "overlay" refuge in 1988, while still under the primary jurisdiction of the Navy. With the closure of Naval Air Facility Midway Island in 1993, there began a transition from bullets to birds, a change in mission from national defense to wildlife conservation. |
Laysan Aalbatross Pair
Photo credit: Suzanne Canja |
Midway is one of the most remote coral atolls on earth. Yet, it is much, much more!
- the last link in a global telegraph system, inaugurated by a message from President Teddy Roosevelt on the Fourth of July, 1903
- a landing site for Pan Am Clippers enroute across the Pacific Ocean in the late 1930s
- the focus of a 1942 battle that changed the tide of war in the Pacific
- from July 1942 to the end of hostilities, Midway served as a submarine base that aided in bringing the war to a close
- naval air facility that played a pivotal role in support of the Korean War, the Cold War and the Vietnam War
Recovery Act
at Work |
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Rehabilitate Barracks Electrical Systems
What’s Happening: Project Completed!
The majority of the funds were used to rehabilitate Charlie Barracks by bringing electrical systems up to modern standards, and removing lead paint and asbestos tiles from the 50s-era facility. The remainder of the funds were used to renovate 7 Historic Officer Homes and perform energy efficiency and renewable energy projects on the Refuge.
Read More:
Midway Atoll Project |
For more information:
Sue Schulmeister, Refuge Manager
Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
Box 50167
Honolulu, Hawai‘i, 96850
(808) 954-4818
E-mail: sue_schulmeister@fws.gov
