Madi Volunteers on Midway Atoll
Donation protected
Hello, my name is Madi Riley and I have been selected to volunteer for 6 months on remote Midway Atoll in the NW Hawaiian Island Chain at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (MANWR) within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM). MANWR is one of the most isolated islands in the world located off Hawaii and one of the largest protected areas in the world (see map below).
A little about me – I am a marine biologist (graduating with my Masters degree this month!) and have always had a great passion for the environment and in particular, the conservation of our oceans. I have a Bachelor of Marine & Antarctic Science from UTAS, a Postgraduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand and a Masters Degree in Marine & Antarctic Science from the Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies Tasmania.
My profile photo was taken during a Little Penguin survey in Tasmania which I have now voluntarily been doing for the last 4 years.
Laysan Albatross photo credit: Angela Hansen
Back to the project, in 2000, the MANWR was designated as the Battle of Midway National Memorial, “so that the heroic courage and sacrifice of those who fought against overwhelming odds to win an incredible victory will never be forgotten.” It is the first National Memorial to be designated on a National Wildlife Refuge.
The volunteer program at MANWR provides critical support to the MANWR habitat and biology program. I will be involved in habitat restoration, revegetation, wildlife monitoring, and also marine debris removal. The next 3 photos were taken on Midway Atoll in 2015 by volunteer Angela Hansen.
MANWR is a critical habitat and breeding habitat for many sea birds and home to up to 70% of the world's population of Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis). The critically endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal (Monachus schauinslandi) also uses the beaches to raise pups.
Laysan Albatross Credit: Angela Hansen
Hawaiian Monk Seals Credit: Angela Hansen
However, unfortunately Midway Atoll receives a vast amount of marine debris from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This patch consists of 90% plastic and accumulates on the beaches of Midway Atoll. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service estimates at least 45kg of plastic washes up every week.
Credit: Angela Hansen
The majority of all Laysan Albatross that live on the island, have been found to contain plastic within their digestive system as they typically confuse the brightly coloured plastic floating on the top of the ocean whilst out hunting, with marine animals (squid beaks being red, bottle tops also being red) for food. Approximately one third of all chicks die due to plastic ingestion, as the parent brings back food from the ocean, and therefore dying of starvation.
Credit: Angela Hansen
I recently attended the screening of "Albatross" by Chris Jordon held at The Duke in Hobart, Tasmania. I knew that it was going to be quite emotional, however, I did not expect to be in tears throughout the majority of the film. To know that such a remote island is being heavily impacted through simple and careless acts caused directly by humans is absolutely heartbreaking.
https://www.albatrossthefilm.com/watch-albatross
After watching the film, I began to research how I could become involved in conserving not only the Laysan Albatross, but also the many other species that are impacted by the effects of marine debris. This led me to applying for this volunteer position.
Not only am I extremely excited to be involved in this project, but above all, I am absolutely honoured to be given the opportunity to make a real difference and also, share my experiences with others in order to raise awareness about the impacts that this isolated island is facing.
I hope to gain support to go towards my flight to and from Honolulu and for clothing required for the fieldwork. I greatly appreciate all donations and together we will be able to help and restore Midway and its outstanding wildlife as well as its history.
I will be leaving Tasmania on 24th September and return (at this stage) on 1 April 2019.
Thank you!
A little about me – I am a marine biologist (graduating with my Masters degree this month!) and have always had a great passion for the environment and in particular, the conservation of our oceans. I have a Bachelor of Marine & Antarctic Science from UTAS, a Postgraduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand and a Masters Degree in Marine & Antarctic Science from the Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies Tasmania.
My profile photo was taken during a Little Penguin survey in Tasmania which I have now voluntarily been doing for the last 4 years.
Laysan Albatross photo credit: Angela Hansen Back to the project, in 2000, the MANWR was designated as the Battle of Midway National Memorial, “so that the heroic courage and sacrifice of those who fought against overwhelming odds to win an incredible victory will never be forgotten.” It is the first National Memorial to be designated on a National Wildlife Refuge.
The volunteer program at MANWR provides critical support to the MANWR habitat and biology program. I will be involved in habitat restoration, revegetation, wildlife monitoring, and also marine debris removal. The next 3 photos were taken on Midway Atoll in 2015 by volunteer Angela Hansen.
MANWR is a critical habitat and breeding habitat for many sea birds and home to up to 70% of the world's population of Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis). The critically endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal (Monachus schauinslandi) also uses the beaches to raise pups.
Laysan Albatross Credit: Angela HansenHawaiian Monk Seals Credit: Angela HansenHowever, unfortunately Midway Atoll receives a vast amount of marine debris from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This patch consists of 90% plastic and accumulates on the beaches of Midway Atoll. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service estimates at least 45kg of plastic washes up every week.
Credit: Angela HansenThe majority of all Laysan Albatross that live on the island, have been found to contain plastic within their digestive system as they typically confuse the brightly coloured plastic floating on the top of the ocean whilst out hunting, with marine animals (squid beaks being red, bottle tops also being red) for food. Approximately one third of all chicks die due to plastic ingestion, as the parent brings back food from the ocean, and therefore dying of starvation.
Credit: Angela HansenI recently attended the screening of "Albatross" by Chris Jordon held at The Duke in Hobart, Tasmania. I knew that it was going to be quite emotional, however, I did not expect to be in tears throughout the majority of the film. To know that such a remote island is being heavily impacted through simple and careless acts caused directly by humans is absolutely heartbreaking.
https://www.albatrossthefilm.com/watch-albatross
After watching the film, I began to research how I could become involved in conserving not only the Laysan Albatross, but also the many other species that are impacted by the effects of marine debris. This led me to applying for this volunteer position.
Not only am I extremely excited to be involved in this project, but above all, I am absolutely honoured to be given the opportunity to make a real difference and also, share my experiences with others in order to raise awareness about the impacts that this isolated island is facing.
I hope to gain support to go towards my flight to and from Honolulu and for clothing required for the fieldwork. I greatly appreciate all donations and together we will be able to help and restore Midway and its outstanding wildlife as well as its history.
I will be leaving Tasmania on 24th September and return (at this stage) on 1 April 2019.
Thank you!
Organizer
Madi Riley
Organizer
Oakdowns TAS
