The 2005 Kure Expedition will be newsworthy on several accounts:
Major amateur radio DXpedition to a top-ten location, first to Kure since 1997
First use of DXA, the innovative web application for real-time interactive monitoring of the expedition
Cooperative educational/research project with Kure naturalists on invasive ants
Cooperative work to support the facilities on Kure
Documentation of shipwrecks at Kure Atoll
Inclusion of a young person on the team
Kure currently ranks number 10 on the world's most-wanted list of amateur radio sites. Normally, only 2 or 3 of the top ten sites are activated each year, making the Kure DXpedition, using the callsign K7C, one of the most-watched events of the year. It is certain that more than 40,000 radio amateurs will make a contact with the DXpedition, and probably tens of thousands more will see it through its website, hear it on the air, see it in presentations at meetings, read published articles, or see videos of the project.
DXA is a web application that allows anyone using an ordinary browser to see the current status of the expedition in near real-time. For instance, a few seconds after logging a contact with the expedition, the DXer's radio callsign will be shown on the website in several places, confirming his successful entry in the log. This application is made possible using an open satellite data link, and a central site with databases and custom software for serving information and other media content. Development of DXA is being supported by ICOM America.
The expedition group has established an agreement to work cooperatively to document the invasive destructive big-headed ant, Pheidole megacephala, that threatens Kure and many other similar islands and atolls worldwide. The team will make observations and test formicides to help develop strategies for controlling or eradicating the ants on Kure. Part of this project will be to maintain an interactive website that will enable students and professional researchers to learn about the problem and contribute ideas for its solution.
The Cordell team will contribute to the work of the naturalist by installing lighting and wiring in the operations building, by helping to remove the invasive weed Verbesina encelioides from selected locations, and by assisting in the collection of drift debris and rescue of animals involved with debris. This work is a strong statement of cooperative interest on the part of radio amateurs to assist in the work of conservationists and managers, while carrying out the primary mission of radio operations.
Officials at the University of Hawaii and in the Department of Aquatic Resources of the State of Hawaii have an ongoing program to observe and record the remains of ships that have been wrecked on Kure. This group will assist in that work by documenting the locations and appearances of selected structures and sites. This includes both above-water and underwater photography.
Although the final decision has not yet been made, it is likely that the expedition will include one young person as a team member. This is for the purpose of encouraging interest in young people in the combination of amateur radio expeditions and research/conservation activities in remote locations. This person will have full rights and responsibilities on the team.
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This project will have publicity through the following channels:
Online, including the expedition websites, chat groups, online news, and personal e-mail
Live media, including radio and TV covering events related to amateur radio, expeditions, Hawaii, conservation, and youth
Print media, including specialty magazines covering the above topics
Personal appearances at conferences, clubs, trade shows, and scientific meetings
The expedition will be able to supply content of the following types:
Photographs, in digital form, on CD or transmitted electronically
Audio and video tracks, including recordings before, during, and afte the event
Written articles, news releases, PowerPoint presentations, etc.
Graphics showing the operations, maps, radio data, etc.
Records of the scientific work, and research reports
Testimonials for products or services used in the project
No charge will be made for any of these materials, when used for news, educational, scientific, or conservational purposes. However, for materials used for commercial , promotional, rebroadcast, or other profitable purposes for wich a fee is normally paid, we will gladly accept your donation to the expedition. We will supply model releases, licenses for one-time use, copyright statements, and any other legal information needed.
We would be happy to consider working with you to supply you with appropriate materials, endorsements, or other content. Please contact:
