Features
Wisdom Prevails!
The world's oldest known wild banded bird at 66+ years old returned to Midway December 3,2016. Follow her incredible story as it unfolds!
Follow Wisdom's Family
Honoring Those Who Served
Wearing the same helmet he wore on June 4, 1942 Colonel John Minicler is honored at the Battle of Midway National Memorial on June 4, 2012.
Remembering the Battle of Midway
Native Plants are Coming Home!
Nai de Garcia assures a diversity of native plants survive from seed to field to help nature reestablish Midway's native seed bank.
Field Report May - July 2016
President Obama Visits Midway!
President Obama and Dr. Sylvia Earle enjoy an historic moment in time within the newly expanded Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
Introducing his Name Sake Fish!
Battle of MidwayNational Memorial
In 2000 Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge was designated 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.
Learn moreRefuge Closure
Please be advised that Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial is currently closed to public visitation. Cause for this closure continues to be an insufficient budget and it is necessary in order to maintain a stable staffing capacity to protect resources and historic infrastructure. Only activities that directly support airfield operations and conservation management of the Refuge/Memorial and the Monument are allowed.
Midway Atoll NWR ClosureVisiting the Refuge
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Virtual online experiences and resources can help one visit Midway's spectacular resources. Click the link below for more information.
Ways to Virtually Visit the RefugeContractors and Agency Partners
February 12, 2016Schedule of Fees for Services Rendered for Contractors and Agency Partners
Midway Fee ScheduleAbout the NWRS
The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife, and plants.
Learn more about the NWRS
Ensuring Midway's Historic and Wildlife Legacy
The world's oldest known banded bird in the wild, a Laysan albatross named Wisdom at least 66 years old, was sighted on December 3, 2016 incubating an egg. Wisdom is waiting on her mate, Akeakamai to return from foraging to relieve her.
Photo by: Kiah Walker/USFWS
More about Wisdom
Exploring the depths of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and monumental above water wildlife and habitat management activities being conducted by a small team of Fish and Wildlife volunteers and contractors. See what's the latest from Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge!
Recent News
Check-out the latest from our non-feathered Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge/Battle of Midway National Memorial!
Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
Pihemanu is a Hawaiian word for "loud din of birds" and Kuaihelani means "back bone of heaven." Both are place names for Midway Atoll within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The Monument's intrinsic cultural values assured it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site for both its cultural and natural heritage. This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the establishment of the Monument, the 5th Anniversary of its World Heritage inscription, and on August 26, 2016 the former designated trustees of the Monument along with Office of Hawaiian Affairs will continue this voyage together as protection begins for what is now the world's largest marine conservation area.
Learn more
During the breeding season, adult tropicbirds (see one pictured above over Midway lagoon) fly in a group around one another, swinging their tail streamers from side to side for several minutes to attract the female bird. Their courtship displays are complex and consist of flying backwards, vertically, and in large, vertical circles.
Learn more
Page Photo Credits — © Dan Clark, Sandra Hall/USFWS
Last Updated: Dec 13, 2016