Tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasionally severe damage; Natural hazards : typhoons June to December
Islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low, coral atolls; volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Truk
In 1979 the Federated States of Micronesia, a UN Trust Territory under US administration, adopted a constitution On 3 November 1986 independence was attained under a Compact of Free Association with the US; economic provisions of the Compact are being renegotiated
Present concerns include large-scale unemployment, overfishing, and overdependence on US aid
Nearly 5 million members of 17 species of seabirds nest on the islands, including 2 million albatross both Laysan and Black-footed 80% of the world's population of Laysan albatrosses are found at Midway, more affectionately known as the "gooney bird" for their awkward landings and especially for their entertaining mating rituals Endangered Hawaiian monk seals 7-8 feet, up to 500 lbs haul themselves onto land to rest and to give birth and raise their young, giant green sea turtles up to 400 lbs are frequent visitors and have recently been documented nesting on Midways beaches, and a pod of 250-300 spinner dolphins lives – and often performs acrobatics – in and around the atoll's shallow lagoon There is also a small but growing population of Laysan ducks, the most endangered waterfowl in the northern hemisphere
The islands also contain memorials and artifacts of the 1942 Battle of Midway As well as the original Cable buildings erected in 1903
The primary activities on Midway Atoll are nature viewing, wildlife photography, snorkeling, kayaking and touring the World War II historical sites Although scuba diving was once available to visitors, it is now available only to researchers working on the island Fishing is prohibited because previous "catch and release" practices on the shore reduced the number of Ulua at Midway North Beach is open to humans, but other beaches are normally off limits and reserved for sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals, both of which are endangered and protected under federal law Midway Bowl is open Sunday from 7 to 9 PM A miniature golf course on Sand Island is being restored
Sand Island has a small "Ship Store" that carries basic items, snack type foods, and alcohol They also rent DVDs Nearby a small gift store run by "The Friends of Midway" sells T-shirts, postcards, books, recordings of the bird colonies, and other items
All meals are served at "The Clipper House" which now serves as Midway's galley to the 60 or so residents, and the visiting tourist groups and researchers Meals are served three times a day at the regular posted hours only The most popular food item in the Clipper House is the soft-serve ice cream machine Beverages and ice are available in the hotel lobby, but there are no snack machines
Water is a precious commodity on any island The water at Midway is pure and safe to drink Island residents carry and use refillable aluminum water bottles Visitors should bring their own Once you see the amount of plastic that washes up on the shores of the atoll you will understand why plastic bottles are shunned Alcohol is served in the local bar for 2-3 hours several nights per week
There are no true "hotels" at Midway Old naval barracks have been refurbished as comfortable hotel rooms, each with a private bath During the albatross breeding season winter up until the time that the chicks fledge summer there is the constant sound of the albatross Ear plugs are advised
US Fish & Wildlife employs about 6 staff personnel and has about 10 to 12 volunteers stay for 3 to 4 month stints throughout the year Also USFWS has brought out a contractor to operate the facilities at Midway This company is called Chugach and is a Native American corporation based out of Anchorage, Alaska Currently employing about 55 persons Most are foreign workers from Thailand, but some are US citizens hired for a variety of needs Additionally there are 4 airport/fireman contract workers, and one PA, these positions all periodically are advertised as open on various websites
