May 19, 2025
UNOC 3 Position Paper
Read our position paper on The 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) to see why we're attending and what we aim to accomplish!
Sailor’s Hat – A Mark of Destruction on Kaho’olawe
Man-made crater “Sailor’s Hat” showcases the impact humans have had on the island of Kaho’olawe but conservation offers hope that this island paradise can thrive once again.
The coast of Kaho’olawe is marked with a man-made crater called Sailor’s Hat. The crater was caused during bombing practice; in 1965 the US Navy piled 500 tons of TNT on the southeast shore in an attempt to simulate the effects of an atomic bomb. Ships were anchored off shore to see how they would respond to the blast.
After the first blast they added another 500 tons, and then another. A total of three blasts created a massive crater on the shore of Kaho’olawe. Today you can see stones melted from the explosion. Now the crater is habitat for two species of endemic shrimp that live in the shallow waters. Sailor’s Hat represents the lasting damage that humans have done to the island, but it’s not the end of the impact. Today, invasive species threaten the island’s native fauna, but Island Conservation and our partners are working to remove invasive species and restore the island.
Watch the first part of the series if you missed it.
Watch the video from Hawaii News Now to learn more.
Featured photo: Kahoʻolawe Island, Hawaiʻi. Credit: Andrew Wright
Want to learn more?
Check out other journal entries we think you might be interested in.
December 4, 2024
The Ebiil Society: Champions of Palau
Ann Singeo, founder of our partner organization the Ebiil Society, shares her vision for a thriving Palau and a flourishing world of indigenous science!
November 22, 2024
Permanent Commission for the South Pacific and Island Conservation Sign MOU to Protect Marine and Coastal Areas in the Southeast Pacific (CPPS)
This historic agreement aims to protect the marine and coastal areas of the Southeast Pacific.
November 18, 2024
Nukufetau Atoll Bolsters Pacific Conservation and Enhances Community Resilience by Removing Invasive Rats
Our projects to restore key islets in Nukufetau Atoll forecast climate resilience and community benefits in Tuvalu!
October 3, 2024
New Paper Shows Invasive Species Removal is a Nature-Based Solution for Climate Resilience
Island Conservation and partners have published a new paper quantifying ecosystem resilience on restored islands!
September 10, 2024
What is Climate Week?
Climate Week NYC: what is it and why is it important? Read on to find out why Island Conservation is attending this amazing event!
September 5, 2024
The Dynamic Coastlines that Change Island Futures
With sea levels on the rise, how are the coastlines of islands transforming? Read on to find out how dynamic islands really are!
December 14, 2023
Our Favorite Conservation Photos of 2023
Join us in celebrating the most amazing sights from around the world by checking out these fantastic conservation photos!
November 28, 2023
Rare Joins the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge
Rare will support the effort to restore island-ocean ecosystems by engaging the Coastal 500 network of local leaders in safeguarding biodiversity (Arlington, VA, USA) Today, international conservation organization Rare announced it has joined the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC), a global effort to…
November 28, 2023
Cryptocurrency Donations: Make an Impact with Your Digital Wallet
Island Conservation accepts cryptocurrency donations. Make an impact using your digital wallet today!