Exploring Palmyra Atoll’s Ecosystem Amid Protection Changes

Palmyra Atoll sits a thousand miles south of Hawaii, isolated in the Pacific Ocean. This series of tiny islands forms an atoll and is one of four protected U.S. marine monuments, collectively forming a major environmental conservation region.

The atoll harbors a thriving ecosystem teeming with birds, diverse marine life, and possesses one of the most untouched coral reefs globally. It remains uninhabited, and journalists seldom gain access to its remote shores. However, this site faces potential changes as the Trump administration seeks to reduce protections and open nearby waters to commercial fishing activities.

NPR’s Lauren Sommer recently visited Palmyra Atoll and shared her experiences with host Ayesha Rascoe. During the discussion, they explored the wildlife, oceanic landscapes, coral reefs, and the cultural and economic implications for native Hawaiians, conservation advocates, and commercial fishers.

For those interested in visual details from Lauren’s trip to the atoll, photos are available. This insightful conversation forms part of a series produced by Sharon Mashihi, with editing by Jenny Schmidt and engineering by Annlie Huang. Ayda Pourasad handled fact checking for this segment.

The team invites audience interaction through emails directed to [email protected]. Additional coverage can be found by tuning in to ‘Up First’ available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.