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Journal Day 13 - Kure Atoll

by Keeley Belva

Don’t forget—if you’re in Honolulu, you can learn more about the Monument at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach hotel when NWHI researchers “talk story” Saturdays in July from 9-11am.

Click here to see where the Hi'ialakai is now.
Click here to see current data from the ship.

Yesterday, Day 13 of the 25-day cruise, I had the opportunity to spend part of the day on land at Kure Atoll State Wildlife Sanctuary. My first impression of the northern most island in the chain were the amazing colors of the water and clouds as we crossed the lagoon—it was like being in a poster!  Greeted by the enthusiastic and dedicated staff that is working on the island this summer, I was dropped off by the research boat in the morning before they continued on their way to begin their dives.  I had a few hours to see what kind of work was going on at the Refuge, and from the list that Sanctuary Field Camp Leader Cynthia Vanderlip had sent me we had a lot to cover in just a few hours. 

Kure lagoon. Credit: Keeley Belva

One would think that this far away from traffic, shopping malls, and chain restaurants that signs of human impact would be hard to find.  However that is definitely not the case—besides the group’s office/kitchen/quarters (at least for those not sleeping in tents), which is a remnant from Kure’s U.S. Coast Guard days, there are the ants that are crawling all over everything, and the plastic pieces that are scattered around the ground, and the fields of yellow flowers…verbesina.  The verbesina I learn is one of the biggest problems on the island.  It is an invasive species that is found on a few of the islands in the NWHI.  Pulling these plants is hard work, but restoring the vegetation to its original state is a larger effort.  The Kure folks have a nursery were they are growing native bunch grass and naupaka for replanting and to give the albatross and other sea birds a more suitable nesting habitat. 

Kure nursery. Credit: Keeley Belva

Later, as we walked along the beach checking on the population of Hawaiian monk seals that make Kure their home, you could see more even evidence of humans.  Marine debris that was strewn along the beach—glass bottles (no messages) and plastic floats that had originated from all over the Pacific—was interspersed with albatross tracks and monk seal haul-out holes.  On the pier there were piles of nets and large debris that the group has collected in preparation for the next visit from the NOAA marine debris group that collects the debris from around the NWHI to take back to Honolulu. 

Marine debris on the beach at Kure Atoll. Credit: Keeley Belva

While it is somewhat discouraging to see that humans have such a far-reaching effect on this distant archipelago, but I’m encouraged by the efforts that are taking place to care for this special place.  It is also a lesson in how we all contribute to the beauty and pristine state of these islands.  Mahalo nui loa to Cynthia and her team for their hospitality!

Mini-reef community on the bottom of a buoy in Kure Lagoon. Credit: Keeley Belva

Marine debris on the pier of Kure Atoll. Credit: Keeley Belva

Don’t forget—if you’re in Honolulu, you can learn more about the Monument at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach hotel when NWHI researchers “talk story” Saturdays in July from 9-11am.

Click here for maps of the region