What Can You Do
- Learn more about your oceans
- Join our listserve to receive e-updates
- Learn more about the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
- Arrange a talk for your community group
- Attend meetings related to management of the Monument
- Provide comments at public meetings or provide them by email, fax or mail during the public comment period
- Volunteer at the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center in Hilo, HI
- Encourage others to get informed and involved!
- Get wet!
Volunteers For Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument relies on volunteers to assist in various projects and in the continuing effort to "bring the place to the people". Volunteers should have excellent communication skills, have an interest in the Monument and marine ecosystems and environmental issues.
This is an excellent chance to learn more about the various aspects and programs of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and Hawaiʻi's ocean environment.
For more information contact:
Virginia Branco
Monument Volunteer Coordinator
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
virginia.branco@noaa.gov or call 808-933-8180 .
Opportunities at Kure Atoll Seabird Sanctuary
The State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DLNR/DOFAW) offers Biological Field Technician opportunities for the summer field season on Kure Atoll within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The atoll is an important breeding site for a sizable and diverse population of wildlife, with several rare or endangered species. Eighteen species of seabirds nest on Kure Atoll, including Mōlī or Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis), Kaʻupu or Black-footed albatross (Phoebastria nigripes) and Christmas Shearwater (Puffinus nativitatis). There are currently 15 native and 28 introduced plant species known on Green Island. Native plants are an integral resource for seabird nesting habitat and dune stabilization. Invasive plants are a significant management concern because they displace native plant habitat and seabird nesting areas, entrap seabirds and reduce airflow causing increased humidity and temperatures. In 2010 DLNR embarked on an ambitious goal to eradicate the invasive weed Verbesina encelioides from Kure Atoll. The project has been a huge success and the island is responding with increasing seabird and native plant populations.
Click Here for more information about the Biological Field Technician opportunity on Kure Atoll (March 1 - September 26, 2013). The closing date is February 1, 2013.
Opportunities at Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Volunteer opportunities exist on Tern and Laysan Islands at Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Each year a total of 15-20 applicants are selected for 6 month (minimum) assignments on Laysan and Tern. There are no internships, as such, although we are happy to assist volunteers with their paperwork for obtaining university credit for volunteer service. The schedule for recruiting is irregular with opportunities coming up throughout the year. Because of the variable lengths of stay for our volunteers, and the few numbers of flights and ship sails to the islands, our timing needs for volunteers rarely matches university summer break periods.
Click Here for more information about volunteering at Hawaiian Islands NWR (you will be directed to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website).
Opportunities at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge has a modest, but evolving, volunteer program. At any time of year, between 2-4 volunteers are likely to be found on site. The volunteers participate in monitoring studies of seabirds and other wildlife, and assist in the control of noxious plants and the restoration of habitat.
Click Here for more information about volunteering at Midway Atoll NWR (you will be directed to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website).
Learn More about the Friends of Midway Atoll NWR (you will be directed to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website).