--- title: Seabird Recovery | Protecting Native Species and Ecosystems | Living Pono Project description: Join the Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project to protect endangered seabirds, restore habitats, and promote ecosystem health for future generations in Hawai'i --- [![08dd010b-56e4-4031-9410-088b326eb257-0-2official\_logos-Living Pono Project logo-aeef1f-1](https://livingpono.org/hubfs/08dd010b-56e4-4031-9410-088b326eb257-0-2official_logos-Living%20Pono%20Project%20logo-aeef1f-1.png)](https://livingpono.org?hsLang=en) ![menu](https://livingpono.org/hubfs/menu.webp) ![close\_24px](https://7479797.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/7479797/close_24px.svg) - Our Programs Show submenu for Our Programs - [Kupa'aina Explorations Program](https://livingpono.org/programs/kupaaina-explorations) - [Living Pono Plantation](https://livingpono.org/programs/living-pono-plantation) - [Malama Service Dogs](https://livingpono.org/programs/malama-service-dogs) - [Na Hoa O Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project](https://livingpono.org/programs/na-hoa-o-maui-nui-seabird) - [Resilience Hub Network Coordination](https://livingpono.org/programs/resilience-hub-network-coordination) - [Resources](https://livingpono.org/resources) - About Us Show submenu for About Us - [Remembering
Hoapili Ane](https://livingpono.org/about/remembering-hoapili) - [Contact Us](https://livingpono.org/contact-us) - Our Programs Show submenu for Our Programs - [Kupa'aina Explorations Program](https://livingpono.org/programs/kupaaina-explorations) - [Living Pono Plantation](https://livingpono.org/programs/living-pono-plantation) - [Malama Service Dogs](https://livingpono.org/programs/malama-service-dogs) - [Na Hoa O Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project](https://livingpono.org/programs/na-hoa-o-maui-nui-seabird) - [Resilience Hub Network Coordination](https://livingpono.org/programs/resilience-hub-network-coordination) - [Resources](https://livingpono.org/resources) - About Us Show submenu for About Us - [Remembering
Hoapili Ane](https://livingpono.org/about/remembering-hoapili) - [Contact Us](https://livingpono.org/contact-us) [Donate Today](https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=BRB3D9YVHEFMN) Our Programs # Nā Hoa O Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project Protecting Native Seabirds, Preserving Island Ecosystems ![hape-baby-seabird](https://livingpono.org/hubfs/hape-baby-seabird.jpg) Program Overview ## Guardians of Na Manu O Ke Kai The Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project protects the endemic and indigenous seabirds that have nourished Hawai'i's island and reef ecosystems since the islands first emerged from the sea. As partners in this effort, Living Pono Project supports the conservation work that ensures healthy, resilient ecosystems for future generations. Seabirds are more than beautiful creatures. They are essential links between ocean and land, carrying nutrients from the sea to nesting sites and enriching the soil that sustains all island life. Their presence indicates ecosystem health. Their decline signals trouble for the entire ahupua'a from mauka to makai. ### **Why Seabirds Matter** **The Ocean-Land Connection** Seabirds spend most of their lives at sea, feeding on nutrient-rich fish and squid in the open ocean. When they return to their nests on land to breed, they bring these ocean nutrients with them. Their guano enriches island soils, creating the foundation for plant life that sustains entire ecosystems. This transfer of nutrients from sea to land is a critical ecological process. Seabirds literally build the fertility of island soils, connecting the ocean's abundance to the forest's health. When seabird populations decline, this nutrient flow weakens, affecting everything from native plants to forest birds to the quality of water flowing back to the sea. **Indicators of Ecosystem Health** Healthy seabird populations indicate healthy oceans and healthy islands. Their presence tells us that marine ecosystems are productive, that nesting habitat remains protected, and that the connections between ocean and land remain strong.   The Threats They Face ## Hawai'i's seabirds face multiple challenges ##### Introduced Predators Cats, rats, and mongooses prey on eggs, chicks, and adult birds. These predators were never part of Hawai'i's ecosystem, and native seabirds have no defenses against them. ##### Habitat Loss Development, agriculture, and other land use changes have eliminated nesting habitat. Many seabirds require specific conditions for nesting, and suitable sites are increasingly scarce. ##### Light Pollution Artificial lights disorient fledgling seabirds during their first flights to the ocean. Young birds become grounded in urban areas where they face predators, starvation, and collision with structures. ##### Ocean Plastic Seabirds mistake plastic debris for food, filling their stomachs with indigestible material. This affects their health and the health of chicks they feed. ##### **Climate Change** Changing ocean conditions affect food availability. Rising seas threaten low-lying nesting colonies. Extreme weather events destroy nests and habitat. What We Do ## Our Conservation Work As partners in the Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project, Living Pono Project supports: ![conservation-on-maui-nui-seabird](https://livingpono.org/hubfs/conservation-on-maui-nui-seabird.jpeg "conservation-on-maui-nui-seabird") - **Habitat Protection and Restoration**Working with state, federal, and community partners to identify and protect critical seabird habitat. Restoring nesting sites through predator control, native plant restoration, and habitat management. - **Predator Management**Implementing predator control strategies to protect nesting seabirds from introduced species. Using proven techniques to reduce predation while protecting native species. - **Community Education**Teaching community members about native seabirds, their ecological importance, and how individuals can help protect them. Building awareness and stewardship values through hands-on programs. - **Light Pollution Reduction**Working with communities to reduce light pollution during fledging season. Coordinating rescue efforts for grounded fledglings. - **Population Monitoring**Supporting research and monitoring efforts to track seabird populations, identify threats, and measure conservation success. Ready to Learn ## Species We Protect Three of the eleven seabird species that breed in Maui Nui are endangered. All suffer from population declines. Our work focuses on protecting: **'A'o (Newell's Shearwater)** Endangered species that nests in mountain burrows and feeds at sea. Severely affected by light pollution and predators. **'Ua'u (Hawaiian Petrel)** Endangered species that nests at high elevations. Threatened by habitat loss and introduced predators. **Other Native Seabirds** Including various species of shearwaters, petrels, terns, and boobies that contribute to Maui's marine and terrestrial ecosystems. ![hape-in-flight](https://livingpono.org/hubfs/hape-in-flight.jpg "hape-in-flight") Make an Impact ## Help Us Restore What Belongs Here Every rescued fledgling, every protected nest, every predator-free colony represents hope for Hawaiʻi's seabirds and the ecosystems they sustain. Your support ensures this critical conservation work continues—from mauka to makai, for generations to come.   [Donate to Conservation](https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=BRB3D9YVHEFMN) ## Living Pono Project The Living Pono Project is a Native Hawaiian-led and operated organization, with 100% of its Board of Directors, leadership, and staff rooted in the communities we serve. Our team brings deep expertise in Indigenous agriculture, conservation, education, and community resilience, combined with lived experience that reflects the needs and aspirations of Maui’s families.         facebook icon instagram icon linkedin icon youtube icon twitter icon ### Our Programs - [Kupa'aina Explorations Program](https://livingpono.org/programs/kupaaina-explorations) - [Living Pono Plantation](https://livingpono.org/programs/living-pono-plantation) - [Mālama Service Dogs](https://livingpono.org/programs/malama-service-dogs) - [Nā Hoa O Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project](https://livingpono.org/programs/na-hoa-o-maui-nui-seabird) - [Maui County Resilience Hub Network](https://livingpono.org/programs/resilience-hub-network-coordination) ### About Us - [Resources](https://livingpono.org/resources) - [Remembering Hoapili Ane](https://livingpono.org/about/remembering-hoapili) ###### Get In Touch 808-276-8600 info@livingponoproject.org 95 Lono Ave #110, Kahului, HI 96732 [Contact Us](https://livingponoproject.org/contact-us?hsLang=en)   [Donate Today](https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=BRB3D9YVHEFMN) Copyright © 2026 Living Pono Project | All Rights Reserved. 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