Only a handful of people ever contemplate living and working on Midway Atoll for five years or more. One of those select few is Dr. Jon Plissner, Supervisory Wildlife Biologist, who in 2025 surpassed more than eight years of residence and service on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll). Jon departed Midway on February 10, 2026, officially retiring in April 2026.
Over those eight years on Midway, Jon evolved from a first-time volunteer into one of the most respected scientific leaders on the atoll—serving as a field biologist, project lead, mentor, data steward, and ultimately Supervisory Biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). He has been conducting and managing ecological studies throughout the U.S. for over 35 years, focusing primarily on avian conservation.
As Jon transitions into retirement, he leaves behind an enduring legacy of collaboration and service. He has also been an invaluable and steadfast supporter of Friends of Midway Atoll (FOMA), strengthening the bridge between on-island conservation work and the broader community that supports Midway from afar.
From Volunteer to Supervisory Biologist
Dr. Jon Plissner first landed on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) in 2017 to serve as a six-month volunteer from March through November. By November 2017, Jon quickly realized that six months was not enough time to experience all that encompasses Midway Atoll. He was hired by Island Conservation (IC) in his desire to stay, in which he collected baseline data for a project aimed at benefiting seabirds through the eradication of non-native house mice. He worked on this for three years.
As his IC contract was ending, Jon applied for a term biologist position with USFWS at Midway Atoll, and in October 2020, he officially became a USFWS employee. His leadership and scientific dedication quickly distinguished him, and in 2022 he stepped into the role of Supervisory Biologist, which he has served ever since.
Ivan Vicente, Public Affairs Specialist for the Pacific Islands with USFWS, interviewed Jon about what Midway Atoll has meant to him:
“Being surrounded by birds is what I treasure most about Midway Atoll, but its remoteness is also something I greatly treasure at this point in my life. Honestly, Midway Atoll has been a refuge for me too. It’s been increasingly difficult to listen to the news of the world and feel positive about the current and future state of humanity. Not only is it easier here to detach from the troubles of the rest of the country and world, but it is also a place where I can concentrate on and see positive impacts of my decisions and actions on my immediate environment.”
Jon as a Colleague and Mentor
FOMA board member Pam Repp, whose 37-year career with USFWS included serving as Refuge Manager of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, shared this tribute:
“Dr. Plissner has been the heartbeat of the biological program on Midway since his arrival. As the Supervisory Biologist he led the Midway Atoll's biological programs, rising to every new challenge with an unwavering commitment to doing what needs to be done. Jon has mentored and inspired hundreds of biologists and conservationists through his calm, thoughtful and dedicated demeanor. Jon is the consummate avian ecologist. By day he manages the habitats and needs of all wildlife and native plants on Midway and oversees the scientific studies to monitor the breeding successes of wildlife, particularly albatrosses. In his off hours when he is not out searching the island for leg bands, he is cleaning up the historical database that tracks the population dynamics of albatrosses. Dr. Plissner is a world renowned avian ecologist and on Midway he is simply loved by the community for his compassion and quiet leadership.”
Keelee Martin, former Midway volunteer, current FOMA contributor, and now Limu Aquaculture Specialist for HCRI/DAR, shares her memories:
“I had the privilege of working with Jon for one season as a volunteer in 2024. My first day on Midway, I was biking around at sunset, still orienting myself to where all the roads take you. It is one thing to know you will be surrounded by millions of birds and something different to actually be there, encompassed by them. Jon was out and about too and when he found me, I was sitting on the ground blissfully overwhelmed by this sea of albatross. He too, seemed in awe–after years of service–he still seemed to be totally enthralled by this world. This was what I saw from him everyday. Even in his off time, binoculars up, notebook in hand–taking his own notes of albatross bands in L10 (a plot near the FWS office where Laysan albatross nests are monitored). In a place where so many things are constantly happening, all seemingly requiring immediate attention, what I saw from Jon was presence; calm, grounded, careful. He cares so much about this place, the wildlife, and certainly the people. While I was there, Jon celebrated his birthday and it was incredible to see everyone come together to celebrate him. Jon Plisssner is a man worth celebrating, preferably with a nice glass of tequila. Cheers, Jon!”
Morgan Walter, Wildlife Refuge Specialist on Midway Atoll, describes Jon:
“[He’s] often seen standing in a random field, binoculars pinned to his face, yellow Rite-it-the-Rain under his arm, the most dedicated bird band reader known to man. In competition with primarily himself and those who recorded the original data, Jon has likely seen every bird to have ever been banded in L10. What will he do with this data you ask? The world can only guess. Maybe groundbreaking science on seabird recruitment? Maybe the world's largest seabird family tree? Maybe a seabird novella? Whatever it is, it's sure to be comprehensive.
Through his time here Jon has shown us what passion and leadership truly looks like. A fierce advocate for volunteerism, Jon has always supported our volunteer program, crew-leads, and anyone wanting to spend a few extra hours on the Refuge. Leading with determination, empathy, and compassion, many of us have had Jon in our corner striving for biological commitment. Over his 8 years here on Midway, Jon has worked with folks from all over the world and fostered relationships that will benefit Midway for years to come. A few of his favorite things: Shrimp, slides (the footwear), catchment, good coffee, puzzles, rare birds, southern rock music, sourdough bread, beer… and Midway.”
Connections to Friends of Midway Atoll (FOMA)
Jon’s impact extended far beyond fieldwork. He has been a consistent and trusted connector between Midway Atoll and Friends of Midway Atoll, regularly joining FOMA board meetings via Zoom to share updates on wildlife, research, and new USFWS projects. He has always made time to answer questions, provide scientific insight, and support FOMA’s mission to protect Kuaihelani and its extraordinary ecosystems.
Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much), Jon, for your years of dedication, science, mentorship, and service to Kuaihelani. Your next assignment: enjoying retirement.
Article written by Krystal Winn with special contributions by Pam Repp, Keelee Martin and Morgan Walter.