Monomoy

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge protects 7,604 acres of barrier beach, sand flats, and salt marsh off the elbow of Cape Cod, providing critical habitat for shorebirds and seals.

The refuge supports one of the largest gray seal colonies on the East Coast. Exceptional shorebird concentrations occur during migration. Piping plovers and least terns nest on protected beaches.

Barrier beach vegetation includes beach grass and seaside plants. Salt marsh provides productive habitat. The dynamic system constantly reshapes with storms and tides.

Monomoy represents a barrier island system shaped by longshore sediment transport. The islands have changed dramatically over historic time, alternately joining and separating from the mainland.

The exposed oceanic location produces harsh conditions with persistent wind and salt spray. Storms can dramatically reshape the barrier system.

Indigenous peoples utilized these shores. A manned lifesaving station operated on North Monomoy for decades. The lighthouse dates to 1849.

The refuge was established in 1944 to protect critical wildlife habitat. Wilderness designation protects most of the refuge.

Access is by boat only. Guided tours explore the wilderness. Seal watching is popular during haul-out season. The remote character provides exceptional wildlife experiences.

No facilities on the islands. Charter boats provide access from Chatham. Morris Island has a visitor contact station accessible by land.

Intensive shorebird management protects nesting birds. Seal populations are monitored. Climate adaptation planning addresses projected sea level rise impacts on this low-lying system.