Marine Debris Removal Efforts

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument Marine Debris Removal Efforts

Tuesday, April 18, 2017
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Waikiki Aquarium Classroom

Kevin O’Brien gave a talk about NOAA’s Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) Coral Reef Ecosystem Program (CREP)’s ongoing marine debris removal efforts in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (Northwestern Hawaiian Islands). He highlighted the work their group has conducted over the last 20 years (removing 1.9 million pounds of debris) to reduce the impacts of marine debris on the region’s marine and terrestrial wildlife.

Additionally, O’Brien shared a summary of their marine debris accumulation study currently in progress at Midway Atoll and potential avenues for future marine debris research.  He also discussed the future of the marine debris issue in Hawai‘i and how to get involved.