You can help protect Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, other federal lands and waters and the wildlife that call these places home by sharing your voice with those who make decisions about these natural places that belong to all Americans.
Why advocacy matters
Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge is an unincorporated territory of the United States and is not part of the State of Hawaii and, as a result, has no Federal or State representatives. Advocating for the protection of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge can only be accomplished by those who love, respect and value this refuge as well as the national network of public lands that were established to be an enduring American legacy. Every voice matters! Your congressional representatives represent you and are responsible for decisions that affect all federal lands, including Midway.
Our role as FOMA
The Friends of Midway Atoll (FOMA) mission is to collaboratively conserve, protect and restore the biological diversity, historical legacy and cultural heritage of Midway Atoll. FOMA is a voice for its members when advocating on behalf of Midway Atoll, but all voices must be heard to preserve and protect this American heritage and critical biological, historical and cultural icon of the Pacific. Collectively we can raise public awareness and support for Midway Atoll, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, and all National Wildlife Refuges in America.
Opportunities to advocate
Here are a few ways to lend your voice that we’ve shared on the blog:
- Proclamation Issued to Allow Commercial Fishing in the Monument
- Commercial Fishing in Monuments
- Refuges need YOUR help
Previous advocacy actions
A few key advocacy actions taken by FOMA are listed below.
| ACTION: Opposition letter to the April 17, 2025 Proposed Rule to rescind the definition of Harm under the Endangered Species Act and to reinstate a 2020 rule clarifying how economic, national security and other relevant impacts are weighed when determining whether to exclude areas from critical habitat. |
| OUTCOME: On July 14, 2026, following a review of approximately 358,000 public comments on the proposed rule to rescind the definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act. This rescission removes the regulatory definition of “harm” from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in Title 50 parts 17 and 222. (Official ruling). Learn more on how it affects Kuaihelani & how you can help here. |
| ACTION: Letter and visit to the Senior Advisor to the Fish and Wildlife Director regarding Director’s Order #230 to conduct a review of all National Wildlife Refuges in February 2026. |
| OUTCOME: A proposed visit to Midway Atoll by the Special Advisor. The planned trip was unfortunately canceled due to travel restrictions. |
| ACTION: Opposition letter to the opening of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument to commercial fishing in response to Federal Register Notice No: 16377 dated August 27, 2025. |
| OUTCOME: On June 11, 2026, a Presidential Proclamation was issued allowing commercial fishing in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument from 50 nautical miles seaward. All commercial fishing must adhere to all state and federal laws and regulations. |
| ACTION: Opposition letter to the April 17, 2025 Proposed Rule to rescind the definition of Harm under the Endangered Species Act and to reinstate a 2020 rule clarifying how economic, national security and other relevant impacts are weighed when determining whether to exclude areas from critical habitat. |
| OUTCOME: Proposal has not been enacted or finalized as of June 2026 |
| ACTION: Comment and support for designating the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument as a National Marine Sanctuary (NOAA–NOS–2021–0114) as described in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) dated March 2024. Outcome: On March 3, 2025, the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument was designated as a National Marine Sanctuary. |
| OUTCOME: On March 3, 2025, the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument was designated as a National Marine Sanctuary. |