VIDEO Remote Hawaiian Island Wiped Off The Map

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A powerful hurricane in the eastern Pacific washed away an 11-acre island in the French Frigate Shoals, part of a national monument in the remote northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

Approximately a half mile long and 400 feet wide, East Island was the second-largest islet in French Frigate Shoals ― an atoll some 550 miles northwest of Honolulu ― and a key habitat for the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal, the threatened Hawaiian green sea turtle and several species of seabirds.
The island’s dramatic vanishing act was first reported by Honolulu Civil Beat and confirmed by HuffPost. Satellite images distributed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service show the spit of white sand almost entirely erased, scattered out onto the reef to the north. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

 

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A powerful hurricane has reshaped the landscape of the French Frigate Shoals in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands, with significant ecological impacts. On October 24, 2018, reports surfaced of the complete disappearance of East Island, which was an 11-acre islet vital for various endangered species, including the Hawaiian monk seal and the green sea turtle. This event came about due to Hurricane Walaka, a powerful storm that maintained Category 5 strength and created extensive coastal erosion.

Background on East Island​

East Island, measuring approximately half a mile long and 400 feet wide, served as a crucial habitat for seabirds and marine life. The storm's surge washed away this islet, a critical component of the local ecosystem, demonstrating the harsh realities of climate change and extreme weather patterns.

Evidence of Destruction​

Satellite images released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service showed the island virtually erased, with remains scattered across nearby reefs. The visual impact was stark, indicating not just erosion but the erasure of critical wildlife habitat.

Current Implications​

In light of this event, there are widespread concerns among conservationists about the future of other islands within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the vulnerability of island ecosystems to climatic events.

Discussion Point​

As we reflect on the 2018 hurricane season and its implications for wildlife and habitat preservation, what are your thoughts on the resilience of these ecosystems in the face of ongoing climatic changes? Furthermore, what proactive measures do you think should be taken to protect vulnerable islands in the future? Feel free to share your insights or related experiences to enrich this ongoing conversation!​

For more insights into related environmental topics and discussions, check out our ongoing threads on climate change impacts on wildlife and habitat preservation efforts.