Adventure at Kamokuokamohoaliʻi!
Looking back at our first few days at Kamokuokamohoaliʻi!
July 7th, 2022
We are four days into our first location at Kamokuokamohoaliʻi (Maro Reef). After months of training, the moment finally arrived for us to put into action what we have anxiously prepared for.
Day one, our morning began before the sun. We eagerly prepped boats and mapped our plan for the day. We then gathered on the ship’s bridge for our morning oli as we watched the sun peak over the horizon. There was a collective air of excitement amongst the crew.
Our word of the day was “hoʻopili”, which means “to gather”. We haven’t known each other for a long time but I feel like we are already a family – all cogs in one big, powerful machine.
As my boat launched from the ship, the team cheered and whistled – motivated to get to work and pull some net. We set our course and I took a deep breath, trying to take in these moments as they come because I know this mission will go by too quickly. I have dreamed of this moment for as long as I can remember. To be up here doing this work still feels surreal.
Our first day was filled with high winds, waves, murky water and squalls rolling through all day long. But that did not slow us down. We pushed ourselves hard and only took a few short breaks – riding on our pure stoke throughout the day.
It’s hard to complain about anything when you are up here!
Day two the weather improved significantly! As we prepped the boats in the dark, my boat lead for the day, James Morioka, looked across the water drinking his coffee and said, “I have a good feeling about today. I think we’re going to have a really good one.” And he was not wrong! The sun was out all day, the wind calmed down and the water was crystal blue.
Moreover, my team found our first monster net! It was in the first 30 ft of our initial survey. Watching our skillful lead, James, maneuver and utilize multiple techniques to haul the beast in was incredible to watch. I’m taking every day by stride, learning by watching the pros in action and aiming for 1% improvement with each go.
My team ended up with a big pile of nets before noon when we stumbled upon a buoy in the horizon. As we nosed up to it, we realized it was an even bigger monster net floating on the surface that would likely take the rest of the day to remove! So, we decided to anchor next to it for lunch. We relished in the humorous sight of eating sandwiches atop a giant mound of ghost nets – luxury at it’s finest!
A few minutes later, we saw two large male Hawaiian monk seals approach from a distance, fighting over their spot on the colorful, webbed throne. We watched as they sized each other up, thrashing and barking on top of the net. Finally, they both gave up and swam in different directions. With the coast clear, we were able to get to work. We had to work quickly before they decided to come back. While the net may seem like an inviting bed to rest on, it serves as a an entanglement hazard ready to entrap an unsuspecting victim.
A couple of manta rays greet the team during Marine Debris STE Training prior to their departure to the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
After spending most of the the afternoon on that singular net, we decided to take a moment to bask in the sun. Lounging across the boat’s sponson, a manta ray approached us and began it’s dance – backwards pirouettes with us as the enthralled audience. It was the perfect end to another incredible day with PMDP.
We returned home exhausted but on cloud nine, satisfied with a long day’s work.
We are now four days in and every day has felt like a dream I never want to wake from. Our bodies may be sore but our motivation to make a difference is stronger. With the support and encouragement from fellow teammates, it’s easy to keep going.
We end each day with an oli as the sun sinks beneath the ocean. This is a time set aside to hoʻopili and give thanks for everything the day brought us. The sun lights up the sky, casting vibrant rays towards the heavens and a golden glare across the water’s surface. For one silent moment we stand shoulder to shoulder looking out at the sea, collectively acknowledging our gratitude and how lucky we are to be here.
And to think, we get to do it all again tomorrow!
Meet the Author
Lauren Chamberlain