USA, Hawaii, Kure Atoll - 2011
Equipment for eradication of invasive plants to protect seabirds.
Kure Atoll, located at the northwest tip of the Hawaiian Archipelago, is the world’s northernmost coral atoll. Green Island, the atoll’s only permanent island, is the State of Hawaii’s most significant seabird sanctuary, with 17 species numbering 100,000 birds. Several invasive plant species, particularly Verbesina, displace nesting birds, increase chick mortality, limit habitat for native plants and otherwise compromise this fragile atoll. Especially susceptible are the Black-footed and Laysan Albatross, the Christmas Shearwater and the Tristram’s Storm-petrel. Seacology is assisting the Kure Atoll Conservancy in its efforts by funding supplies for ongoing invasive plant eradication and native plant reintroduction efforts on Kure Atoll.
