Marine debris removal season at Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument ends with record-breaking results – Maui Now

The Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project: Removing Marine Debris from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

Introduction

This report highlights the significant achievements of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project in removing marine debris from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The project, in collaboration with the NOAA Marine Debris Program, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and other partners, has successfully removed a record-breaking amount of marine debris from the monument during the 2024 mission season.

Overview of the Project

From April to October 2024, a team of 16 individuals from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project worked tirelessly to remove 298,180 pounds of marine debris from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. This includes 191,860 pounds of derelict fishing nets, 4,600 pounds of abandoned and derelict vessels, and 101,720 pounds of plastic and other debris. The team also rescued four Hawaiian green sea turtles entangled in derelict fishing nets.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The efforts of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water – By removing marine debris, the project contributes to the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land – The removal of debris helps protect terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The project promotes sustainable practices and contributes to the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.

Importance of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a remote group of islands, reefs, and atolls in the northwestern sector of the Hawaiian Islands. It is home to thousands of species of fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species such as the Hawaiian monk seal, Hawaiian green sea turtle, and Laysan albatross. The monument also holds significant cultural importance as a sacred Native Hawaiian landscape with numerous archaeological sites.

Impact of Marine Debris

Marine debris can cause extensive damage to marine habitats and pose a threat to marine species, including seabirds and marine mammals. It can also cover coral reefs, disrupting the delicate ecosystem. The removal of marine debris is crucial for the preservation of both the natural and cultural components of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Locations and Results

The Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project team focused their efforts on several key locations within the monument, including Lalo (French Frigate Shoals, Kānemiloha‘i), Kamokuokamohoali‘i (Maro Reef, Ko‘anako‘a), Kamole (Laysan Island, Kauō), Kapou (Lisianski Island, Papa‘āpoho), Manawai (Pearl and Hermes Atoll, Holoikauaua), Kuaihelani (Midway Island, Pihemanu), and Hōlanikū (Kure Atoll, Moku Pāpapa). These areas are known for high amounts of marine debris, particularly Kamokuokamohoali‘i.

Positive Results and Future Outlook

The continuous removal efforts have shown positive results in reducing the amount of marine debris in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The team’s hard work and dedication have made a noticeable difference in the cleanliness of the reefs and surrounding areas. The Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project will continue its mission to remove debris and prevent further accumulation in the monument through ongoing efforts.

Conclusion

The Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project, in collaboration with its partners, has made significant progress in removing marine debris from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The project’s efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals and contribute to the conservation of marine resources, protection of terrestrial ecosystems, and preservation of cultural heritage. The ongoing removal missions and the use of innovative technologies demonstrate the commitment to improving and safeguarding ocean health. The Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project serves as a model for successful marine debris removal and conservation efforts.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 14: Life Below Water – The article discusses the removal of marine debris from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to various marine species.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – The article mentions the importance of marine debris removal for the natural and cultural components of the monument, which includes threatened and endangered species.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution – The removal of marine debris from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument contributes to the target of reducing marine pollution.
• SDG 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species – The removal of marine debris helps protect and preserve the habitats of threatened species in the monument.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 14.1: Amount of marine debris removed from marine protected areas – The article mentions the specific amount of marine debris (298,180 pounds) removed from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
• Indicator for SDG 15.5: Number of threatened species protected through habitat preservation – The article mentions that the monument is home to threatened and endangered species, and the removal of marine debris helps protect their habitats.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: mauinow.com