What is our goal? The aim of this program is to collect data while also removing the immediate threat of debris from beaches in an effort to protect the health of the ocean
What is the problem? Marine debris is one of the major threats facing whales, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life. We have been studying marine debris here in Hawaii and know that it is a pervasive issue and our hope is that this program will raise awareness within the local community. We want to empower residents of our island to actively become stewards of our ocean.
How do we do it? With this type of community scientist data collection, we will be able to collect data more accurately and consistently so that we can identify trends in marine debris accumulation around the island. The data will be used to guide and support relevant legislation and help identify education campaigns surrounding marine debris.
Are you a Maui County resident looking to become an ocean steward? Adopt a Beach!
Choose your preferred beach or shoreline to steward for the next year
Once per month, you will remove and record all man-made debris you come across
How do I get permanent marker off my data sheet?
A permanent marker was given so that your data would not smudge as you recorded. The marker ink can be removed via a number of methods, including nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, or any other mostly alcohol-based cleaner. Alternatively, if you have a dry erase marker, these work to erase permanent marker as well by just coloring over it with the dry erase and wiping away.
How do communicate with other volunteers in the program?
If you need to swap weeks or get coverage, you can contact other members in the program through your Better Impact portal. Navigate to the “CONTACT” tab and select “Adopt a Beach” as the recipient and add your beach in the “SUBJECT” box, then add your request to the “MESSAGE” box. Each of you has been added to this “Committee” so these messages will be sent to all emails associated with AAB participants.
How do I upload my data through Better Impact?
You can submit data a couple of ways. If you would like to do it through Better Impact, navigate to the “CONTACT” tab and select “Shelby Serra” as the recipient. Then just add a photo of your data by clicking the “BROWSE” button next to where it says “ATTACHMENTS” under the message box. If you are just sending a picture of the data side, please be sure to include the TIME FRAME of your survey in the “MESSAGE” box for data entry purposes.
What if I cannot do my clean for one month?
There is a community board through your Better Impact account where you can reach out to other members of the program to see if they can cover you. If you cannot get coverage – let Shelby know and she will help find a solution!
What about supplies?
Each program member will receive reusable supplies (gloves, bag, data collection sheet, pen) to conduct their cleanup and collect their data. If you lose one of these items, we encourage you to be creative and resourceful and search for some of your own reusable items to replace. If you cannot find a replacement, reach out and we will help you.
What is the best way to clean the beach?
For marine debris research, we encourage you to use a “line transect” method – this looks like zig-zagging between the waterline and the shrub line as you go.
What if there are only a couple of pieces of debris at my beach?
ALL DATA IS VALUABLE. We want to know debris trends across the island. If the trend is minimal debris, that is important and we want to know!
What if there is more than what I can collect at my beach?
DO YOUR BEST. At some beaches, you may find that there is a TON of tiny pieces of plastic. Please remove what you can and record an EXACT number, as opposed to “lots” or “tons”. For data purposes, we need a numerical value.
What should I wear?
We recommend sun protection and gloves. Closed-toe shoes are encouraged on certain beaches. Please wear a mask when social distancing from members outside of your household is not possible. Beyond those things – up to you and your comfort level!
Want to help but can’t commit to helping once a month?
Check out our Coastal Marine Debris Monitoring Program for an opportunity to contribute to our growing database — community science on your own time!
Mahalo to Our Adopt a Beach Sponsor: Atherton Family Foundation
