The US
Fish and Wildlife Service has released the final Environmental Assessment for
the Midway Seabird Protection Project.
Warning:
Graphic photographs. Viewer Discretion is Advised.
In 2015,
volunteers at Midway Atoll made a gruesome discovery. In the midst of the
largest albatross colony in the world, birds were being eaten alive by mice as
they sat on their nests. Over the course of a few years, mice attacks have
increased from just a few incidents to hundreds of widespread attacks on
albatross that result in injury, nest abandonment and death.
In order
to protect this globally important colony of seabirds, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service has finalized the Midway Seabird Protection Plan to remove the
predatory invasive house mouse from Midway Atoll. The Final Environmental
Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact associated with the project are
available to the public.
As a part
of the planning process, the Service consulted with the public, other federal
and conservation agencies, and non-governmental and private organizations. All
public comments and information received during the public comment period were
considered in the development of the environmental assessment. The
environmental assessment, associated documents and permits, and project details
are available at: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Midway_Atoll
Within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway
National Memorial supports over three million birds from 30
different species. Nearly 40 percent of all Black-footed albatross and 70
percent of all Laysan albatross in the world rely on the approximately 1500
acres of islands that comprise the remote atoll. Seabirds face a myriad of
threats – from fishery interactions and marine debris to invasive species and
shrinking habitat. Safe places like Midway Atoll, where seabirds can rest and
raise their young, are critical for their ability to survive into the future.
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