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The Hawaiian Archipelago, extending 1,500 miles, is one of the longest and most remote island chains in the world. The Hawaiian Islands are prone to accumulating marine debris due to their proximity to the North Pacific Subtropical Convergence Zone, an area where ocean currents accumulate marine debris. Each year, thousands of pounds of marine debris from domestic and foreign sources wash ashore and snag on reefs across the island chain. In Hawaii, as well as other parts of the world, marine debris threatens marine ecosystems, safe navigation, and wildlife.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program (MDP) has been a partner in efforts to combat marine debris in Hawaii since 2005. The MDP works in cooperation with partners across the US and internationally to address marine debris. Around the Hawaiian Archipelago, a number of efforts are taking place to address the impacts of marine debris.
In order to prioritize Hawaii marine debris issues, coordinate between projects, and create a strategic plan of action, the MDP supported a statewide planning workshop that kicked off in Honolulu, January 2008. This workshop brought together over 30 representatives from government, academia, nongovernmental organizations, and private businesses working to address the issue of marine debris in Hawaii. At this workshop, information on marine debris activities and priorities, in both the main and Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, was discussed. From this workshop, partnerships were created and a commitment made to begin the development of a Hawaii Marine Debris Action Plan (HI-MDAP), which would include greater coordination among partners, identification of potential avenues for funding, and increased communication.
The development and implementation of the HI-MDAP is being supported by the MDP, with assistance from the US Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9.
ResultsThe Final Workshop for the HI-MDAP was held on October 16, 2009 in Honolulu, HI. There the draft action plan was discussed and the new strategic framework and tool was introduced. The plan was then rolled out in a half day event on January 12, 2010 in Honolulu, HI. The event was attended by over 75 partners and elected officials. For more information on HI-MDAP meetings and workshops, visit Workshops & Meetings and http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/projects/himdap.html. |
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