Marine debris in Hawaii County continues to be a hot topic throughout the island as researchers and residents partake in an effort to restore the shorelines and boost the economy.
As plastics fill the ocean, leaving marine life trapped in plastic bottles and nets, longtime islanders recall a time when the water was a sight of paradise and not just filled with garbage.
"It was like swimming in an aquarium. Every color of fish you could think of," Roger Bialas said in a statement to The Guardian. Today, he sees a lot of "'food wrappers, shopping bags' as well as fishing lines."
Additionally, The Guardian reports the Great Pacific garbage patch is a floating dump of marine debris. It spans twice the size of France.
In an effort to clean up the islands and protect the sea life from March 30 to April 21, 12 researchers embarked on a mission to Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM) to collect the harmful debris. The participants were able to successfully remove 47.2 tons of debris and save turtles, birds and an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, according to Big Island Now.
“There is so much to love about this incredible place,” said Kevin O’Brien, project lead for Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project (PMDP) said in the same article. “If we’re not up there cleaning up this threat, nobody is. We’d be overlooking our kuleana [responsibility] to this place if we didn’t do everything we can to make these projects happen.”
The debris consists of plastic pieces of all shapes, sizes and colors and can include things like fishing nets, plastic bags and other types of trash carried away by the ocean current.
The increase in debris also has an economic impact on Hawaii's tourist industry. A study done by the Marine Debris Program revealed the elimination of marine debris had the strongest impact on coastal beaches like Hawaii. By decreasing the debris on the beaches, it is "estimated to produce an additional $217 million in tourism spent in communities and over 3,700 jobs."
As the cleanup effort continues Hawaii residents and visitors are encouraged to report large piles of debris or trapped animals by calling 808-587-0405, and emailing any photos toDLNR.marine.debris@hawaii.gov and disasterdebris@noaa.gov.