Located over a thousand miles south of Hawaii, Palmyra Atoll comprises a series of small islands in the expansive Pacific Ocean. This atoll is part of four protected U.S. marine monuments, contributing to the country’s largest environmental conservation area. It is renowned for its vibrant ecosystem, supporting a diverse array of birds, marine life, and one of the world’s most untouched coral reefs.

No permanent residents inhabit Palmyra, and access for journalists is scarce. Recently, NPR’s Lauren Sommer was granted special access to explore the atoll. Following her visit, she shared insights on the island’s rich biodiversity with host Ayesha Rascoe.

The current U.S. administration has proposed revoking some of Palmyra’s protective measures. The plan aims to open surrounding waters to commercial fishing, sparking debate among conservationists, native Hawaiians, and commercial fishers.

Sommer detailed the awe-inspiring wildlife, the pristine ocean environment, and the integral role these elements play for various groups. The conversations highlighted the delicate balance between preservation and economic interests.

For those interested, photographs from Lauren’s journey are available here.

This narrative was produced by Sharon Mashihi, edited by Jenny Schmidt, and engineered by Annlie Huang. Ayda Pourasad conducted thorough fact-checking.

Feedback is welcome at [email protected]. Catch the latest episodes of Up First on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.