Marine debris is any human-created waste that has entered the marine environment. Most of the debris comes from land-based sources, occurring as easily as someone littering a cigarette butt or soda can. A large and disturbing amount of marine debris is composed of plastics and other materials that resist natural degradation. Debris in our oceans kills and injures wildlife, spreads invasive species, leaches pollutants and endangers human health. Our conservation commitment includes monitoring, collecting and reporting marine debris found in our oceans, as well as helping to keep Maui’s beaches and parks tobacco-free.
Pacific Whale Foundation researchers began our marine debris research in 2013, documenting and removing debris from the leeward waters of Maui, Kaho‘olawe, Lana‘i and Moloka‘i. In 2015, we piloted a community science program to raise awareness and encourage public involvement in the monitoring and removal of debris from our beaches. Our partners in this effort include local community groups, schools, corporate sponsors and volunteers from the public.
Today, with the help of the public, we have removed and documented over 50,000 pieces of marine debris. Marine Debris Photo Catalog.
Images of marine debris found in the field
You can participate in our Coastal Marine Debris Monitoring Program as a community scientist. Simply pick up your supplies (upcycled grain bag donated by Koholā Brewery and Waikiki Brewing Company, disposable gloves and a datasheet) at one of our kit stand locations. These can be found at PacWhale Eco-Adventures’ Ocean Store in Lahaina or Ma‘alaea, Moku Roots in Lahaina, Koholā Brewery in Lahaina or Maui Brewing Company in Kihei. Then head out to clean up any part of Maui’s coastline or your favorite coastline back home. Be sure to complete and return your datasheet (either in-person or online below) to help contribute to our marine debris database that helps guide mitigation and prevention measures in Maui County.
Mahalo to Koholā Brewery and Waikiki Brewing Co. for supplying their spent grain bags to support this program!
You can also print our datasheet HERE and use your own bag!
Pacific Whale Foundation, in partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority and a statewide alliance of private industry partners, is proud to be part of a new initiative to encourage mindful and, ultimately, regenerative tourism. The Malama Hawaii program celebrates voluntourism by giving visitors an opportunity to volunteer with select organizations, like PWF, and earn great rewards at participating resorts. Our Coastal Marine Debris Monitoring Program was chosen as a curated volunteer activity by four resorts to date: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, and Fairmont Kea Lani. While our program will continue to be available to all, guests of these resorts will have the exclusive opportunity to receivecertain perks once their data sheets have been returned to us.
Enter Your Marine Debris Data Here
