APRIL 21, 2017--A special media event was held at the NOAA Inouye Regional Center in Honolulu, HI, on April 13 highlighting the removal of an estimated 100,000 lbs. of derelict fishing gear and plastics from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

The NOAA Marine Debris Program, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument collaborated with the Hawaii state Department of Land and Natural Resources and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to transport the debris from Midway and Kure Atoll within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

At the event, Senator Brian Schatz, in addition to a representative from Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa’s office and NOAA leadership, emphasized the importance of partnerships in preserving the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The stockpile of marine debris stored on Midway and transported to Honolulu was a result of joint removal operations by NOAA, USFWS, and State of Hawaii teams over the last six years. A majority of the debris will be incinerated through the Hawai‘i Nets-to-Energy Program, which generates electricity to power homes in O‘ahu.

For additional information contact: Mark.Manuel@noaa.gov.

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