The goal of the plan is to guide the effective protection, restoration, and management of wetlands for the benefit of Threatened and Endangered (T&E) waterbirds, migratory shorebirds and waterfowl, human communities, ecosystems, and climate resilience in Hawai‘i.
The plan prioritizes wetland sites and conservation actions to improve habitats for waterbirds and people in Hawaiʻi. It includes an appendix with detailed site narratives on wetlands sites across the State. It will guide Pacific Birds’ work and help our partners to prioritize actions at both a State and a local level.
The Birds & Habitats
Wetlands and birds are at the heart of Pacific Birds’ partnership building in Hawaiʻi. Our goal is to connect partners, sites, resources and funding to deliver excellent wetlands conservation across the Hawaiian Islands.
Conserving wetlands means we are supporting some of the rarest (and coolest!) birds in the world. We work with partners to secure and improve habitats for five endemic wetland species and up to 60 migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Our work in Hawaiʻi is guided by a conservation priority committee.
The Threats The threats to wetland birds are significant and constant. Species are struggling with introduced predators; habitat loss; hydrologic changes; loss of wetlands connectivity; pollution; invasive species; and diseases such as botulism.
Climate change will exacerbate the issues for migratory and resident birds alike. Their habitats will be affected by coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion from sea level rise. Changing rainfall and temperature patterns may change flooding regimes and the prevalence of invasive species.
Wetlands, Birds and People Wetlands benefit people and wildlife in multiple ways. They support ecosystem services that can help us respond to climate challenges and provide water storage during flood events–which will help protect property and infrastructure. Wetlands also reduce the impact of storm surges on the coast, protecting the land, people and wildlife.
These habitats are also culturally significant. Hawaiian farmers have enhanced wetlands to provide kalo (taro), fish, and materials for mats and other items. These traditional community practices can also be beneficial for birds and other wildlife.
We are passionate about wetlands. If your organization is too, get in touch and find out how we can work together.
Hawaiʻi's Threatened and Endangered Waterbirds
The five native wetland birds shown below are found only in the Hawaiian Islands. Our work in Hawaiʻi aims to raise awareness about the value of these species and the importance of protecting places they need.
To learn more, contact Helen Raine, our Conservation Coordinator in Hawaii.
Stories from Hawaiʻi
Waterbirds, Wetlands, and Predators?
Predator control and wetland management may not be the first things most people associate with Maui, but with Threatened and Endangered waterbirds, a swath of wetlands, and the conservation challenge of heavy predation on recovering species, it was the perfect place for partners to gather to discuss both topics this April.
Learn more about National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants (NCWCG)
Pacific Birds partnered with Chris Swenson of the USFWS and Afsheen Siddiqi of DOFAW to host an informational webinar on the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants opportunity.
Six wins and more in the 2022-2023 Conservation Report
The last year marked significant growth, strengthened partnerships, and progress toward shared conservation goals, with significant achievements across the Pacific Birds service area – from Alaska to coastal British Columbia, to Northwest California, and across the Pacific to the Hawaiian Islands. As we start the new year, join us in celebrating major conservation achievements in the Pacific Flyway.