MIDWAY

• USDBD
• Latitude: 43.0711
• Longitude: -76.55
• Great Lakes
• Marina in US

Location: US

Midway Atoll, also known as Midway Island, is a 2.4-square-mile atoll in the North Pacific Ocean. It is part of the Hawaiian archipelago but is not part of the state of Hawaii. The atoll is approximately halfway between North America and Asia, hence its name. Midway Atoll is currently an unorganized, unincorporated territory of the United States and is managed as a National Wildlife Refuge under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Port Description and Specifications

Location:

• Latitude: 28.2097° N
• Longitude: 177.3764° W
• Midway Atoll is located roughly 1,300 miles northwest of Honolulu, Hawaii.

Port Facilities:

• Port of Entry: Midway Atoll serves as a port of entry but is not a commercial shipping hub.
• Runways: The atoll has two operational runways, part of the Henderson Field Airport, used mainly for emergency landings and for government or scientific missions. The runways are approximately 7,800 feet and 7,900 feet in length.
• Dock Facilities: Limited dock facilities exist around Sand Island (one of the two main islands, the other being Eastern Island). The infrastructure is suitable for small boats and research vessels but not for large commercial shipping operations.
• Navigation: Entry to the port area is subject to strict guidelines given the atoll's status as a protected wildlife habitat.

Usage:

• Primary Uses: Today, Midway Atoll is primarily used for wildlife conservation and scientific research. The atoll is home to the largest colony of Laysan albatrosses and supports multiple other bird species and marine life.
• Historical Significance: During World War II, Midway Atoll was a critical military base and the site of the pivotal Battle of Midway in 1942. Military facilities from that era still exist but are largely unused.

Environmental Considerations:

• Protected Area: Midway Atoll is part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, one of the largest protected areas in the world. Activities on the atoll are tightly regulated to protect the habitat.
• Access Restrictions: Access to Midway Atoll is highly controlled and generally restricted to government personnel, researchers, and specific personnel involved in habitat restoration and maintenance.

In summary, while Midway Atoll has limited port facilities and infrastructure, it remains a strategic and environmentally significant site under the management of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.