OUR WORK
Execution of annual large-scale marine debris removal missions to Papahānaumokuākea to remove derelict fishing nets and plastics from the reefs and shorelines
Raising awareness of the issue of marine debris and inspiring change through education and outreach
Engaging the greater Hawaiʻi community in the stewardship and care of Papahānaumokuākea
Working for creative solutions for recycling and re-utilization of the waste-stream
OUR VALUES
An inclusive approach to solving environmental issues in Hawaii: Pairing science with local knowledge, nature with culture, and fostering a grassroots sense of place.
Engaging youth and multi-generational communities of different backgrounds in helping to solve the problem of marine debris in Papahānaumokuākea.
Efficiency and innovation: working to find better and most cost effective ways to combat the problem with marine debris in Papahānaumokuākea.
BY THE NUMBERS
Facts about The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM).
115,000 lbs
115,000 lbs of derelict fishing gear, (or "ghost nets") wash in from the open ocean annually causing large-scale impact to coral reefs. Masses of net and rope routinely break apart living corals and rip coral heads from the bottom as they tumble across the reef.
87 MONK SEALS
Between 2006 and 2014, 87 Hawaiian monk seals were recorded as becoming entangled in ghost nets in Papahānaumokuākea. 32% of the estimated 1,400 remaining Hawaiian monk seals are alive today due to marine debris disentanglement and other human intervention.
431 METRIC TONS
There is a current estimated “backlog” of ghost net accumulation on Papahānkaumokuakeaʻs reefs of 431 metric tons (just under 1 million lbs.).
14 Million SEABIRDS
14 million seabirds of 22 species reside in Papahānaumokuākea. Ingestion of plastic rubbish is a large-scale problem for adults and their young.
582,578 Sq/Mi
The PMNM is the largest contiguous fully protected conservation area under U.S. jurisdiction, and one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world. It encompasses 582,578 square miles of the Pacific Ocean–an area larger than the states of Texas, California and Montana, combined.
7,000 Species
Inside the boundaries of the PMNM are reefs, atolls, and shallow and deep-sea habitats that are home to more than 7,000 marine species–25% of which are found only in the Hawaiian Archipelago.
23 Endangered Species
These habitats are critical for supporting 23 listed endangered species, which includes the Hawaiian monk seal, of which only 1400 remain. The threatened green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), and protected humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) also call the PMNM home.
70% OF SHALLOW REEFS
70% of all tropical, shallow-water coral reef habitat in the United States lies within the boundaries of the PMNM.
4 ENDEMIC SPECIES
The relatively small emergent land areas of these islands (less than 6 sq mi combined) provide breeding and nesting habitat for 14 million seabirds representing 22 species. Four of these bird species are found nowhere else in the world.
