Each year, fledgling seabirds leave their mountain burrows for the first time and make their way to the ocean, relying on natural light from the moon and stars to navigate. Bright artificial lighting can disorient the birds, causing them to become grounded, injured or killed.
Developed in partnership with federal, state and community organizations, the Dark Skies program helps reduce light pollution and improve safe passage for fledglings during this vulnerable migration period. Since the program began, the number of fallen seabirds at PMRF has decreased significantly.
An annual wedge-tailed shearwater banding workshop supports ongoing research by specialists to track movement patterns, assess environmental and climate-related impacts, and collect data that informs long-term conservation strategies. This year’s workshop has been rescheduled due to the recent storm event.
The installation has also seen an increase in Nene population as they enter their breeding and nesting season from September to April. PMRF issued separate guidance on nene protection programs to support the anticipated increase in nēnē families throughout the seasons.
PMRF leadership and personnel coordination behind the program remain central to its success, helping ensure Kauaʻi remains a place where native seabirds can survive alongside vital defense operations.
“The Dark Skies Program plays a critical role this season as shearwater fledging and nēnē breeding occur simultaneously on the installation,” said PMRF Natural Resources Manager, Brooke McFarland. “As PMRF recovers from the hurricane, responsible lighting practices and wildlife awareness can help minimize disruptions to protected species while sustaining installation operations and stewardship efforts.”
This year’s conservation efforts follow the impacts of Hurricane Lowell, which brought severe weather to Kauaʻi and created additional environmental stressors across the island. Storm effects such as debris, damaged vegetation, and altered lighting conditions can increase hazards for seabirds during fledging season. PMRF Natural Resources personnel are factoring those conditions into seasonal response planning and wildlife protection efforts.
The Dark Skies program has contributed to the recovery and survival of fledgling shearwaters and other native seabirds by reducing the risks associated with artificial light pollution. Protective measures include shielding exterior lighting, reducing nonessential lights during peak fledging periods, and increasing community awareness about responsible nighttime lighting practices.
As shearwater fledging season continues through Dec. 15, PMRF encourages residents and businesses to support island wide seabird protection efforts by dimming or shielding outdoor lights at night and reporting any downed seabirds to the Save Our Shearwaters hotline at 808-635-5117 or taking the bird to the nearest aid station. PMRF hosts an aid station at its Pass and ID Office located on Tarter Drive, just outside the main gate.
To report an injured nene or downed seabird on base, contact the PMRF Natural Resources Hotline at 808-208-4416.