ARC 2024 Intern: George Okongwu
Our intern George Okongwu reflects on his time with ARC this past summer.
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to work with Archipelago Research and Conservation (ARC) on the island of Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi. Known as the “extinction capital of the world,” Hawaiʻi’s delicate ecosystems are constantly under threat from urbanization, invasive species, and the ever-present challenges of climate change. My time with ARC was an eye-opening experience, immersing me in the urgent work of protecting endangered seabirds and waterbirds and witnessing the intricate balance between human development and wildlife conservation.
George Okongwu
My role with ARC took many forms and was very hands-on. Much of my time was spent conducting night surveys, where I helped monitor seabird interactions with power lines, a significant threat to their survival. I would set up with the ARC IMMP (Infrastructure Monitoring and Minimization Project) team and spend hours watching over these lines, observing how the birds navigated these man-made obstacles. Witnessing a bird collision was a stark reminder of the harsh realities these creatures face due to ongoing human expansion.
In addition to night surveys, I was involved in monitoring and management projects with the ARC colony team. One of the most rewarding moments was discovering new burrows in Nuʻalolo Kai with Dr. André Raine, Mike McFarlin and the Na Pali Coast Ohana. I also participated in checking cameras that record 24 hours a day data at burrows, helping us understand the threats birds face in these remote areas.
My time with ARC also allowed me to engage deeply with the issue of invasive species, something I am very passionate about combating. I witnessed firsthand the impact of rats and cats, significant threats to bird populations. However, ARC and other companies like Hallux Ecosystem Restoration are actively combating this problem through predator-proof fences and trapping introduced predators.
As my internship progressed, I also started working on social media management. I gathered photos and footage I took on my day to day and made posts that were posted on ARC’s Instagram (arc_kauai) and Facebook pages. With all this footage I decided to document my experiences by creating a short film. The process of compiling clips from my time in the field—helicopter rides over rugged terrain, hikes through dense forests, night surveys, and restoration work—was both challenging and rewarding. The film not only captures the beauty of Kaua’i but also highlights the critical conservation work being done to preserve its wildlife.
This internship has been more than just a learning experience; it’s been a journey of personal growth. Working with ARC has deepened my understanding of the complexities of island ecology and the urgent need for conservation in a rapidly changing world. I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to such meaningful work. The skills and insights I’ve gained will stay with me as I continue to pursue my passion for environmental conservation and research. My summer with ARC has reinforced my commitment to protecting our planet’s most vulnerable species, and I’m excited to carry this experience with me into the future. I want to give a special thank you to Dr. André Raine, Helen Raine, Marc Travers and Karim Hanna for the opportunity and unforgettable moments I have enjoyed in my time here.
