Derelict Eclectic Human Trash
One day as we were spraying an area
that had its borders on the beach, a derelict fishing line in the lagoon caught
the eyes of Matt, crew leader. A look with his mini binoculars that fit in our
fanny pack, confirmed the presence of this entangled hazard in the reef which
can harm the corals and entangle wildlife. Debris in the lagoon and at our
shorelines come from fishing boats and cities, existing at hundreds and
thousands of miles away from our protected water…!!
After conditions were assessed safe
to capture the debris, operations in the field stopped right away, as removing
entanglement hazards is one of our top priorities on the island. Two people
stayed on shore to watch the debris and other potential hazards. The presence
of sharks and endangered species such as the Hawaiian monk seals and green
turtles can stop the progress of any operation. The other 4 persons, including
myself, walked back to our camp to get swimming gear and items such as radio,
handheld GPS, depth gauge meter, pocket knife, sunscreen, snacks, fins,
goggles, extra layers, life vests, and so on. We would work until the hazard is
completely removed from the water and brought back to a secure location. Taking
the boat out in the lagoon involves many preparation tasks so if we have the
opportunity to use it, we ensure to utilize it to its maximum. Marine debris
that landed on our shore are staged at designated collection points around the
island whose some are accessible by wheel barrel. If not, the boat comes then
very handy. All debris collected will be piled up securely at the pier and be
later contained in super sacks to be transported to Honolulu, usually at the
end of a season or when a willing vessel agrees to take it. For each debris
removed, we record its location both collected and stored, a short description,
and its estimated volume and dry weight.
While on the boat, your eyes can
catch the presence of other marine debris and wildlife through this transparent
interface that the lagoon offers. Have the camera ready because it is always
quite a unique experience! When we finally arrived at the designated location,
a look from above revealed a one cubic meter fishing net which was not too
entangled within the coral. Also, no wildlife was entrapped. That was our luck
to catch it before the situation got worse! Its removal was completed by two
people in a few minutes. You must stay away from the coral, float in the water,
and cut the net from where the current is pulling it to avoid any damage to the
coral and wounds. After disentangling the coral, we rolled the net into a
burrito-shaped object and carried it to our boat, stationed closely. Matt, crew
leader, was staying inside to look for any wildlife and to receive the
net.Then, we toured the island and stopped at collection points to pick up as
many debris as the boat could safely contain. After three hours of intensive
work, the pile of trash on the boat reached shoulder height, made of various
plastic crates, fishing nets, hooks, lines and traps but also large FADs (Fish
Aggregating Device) and buoys. Back at the pier, we unloaded the boat and
carried the heavy hazards, full of sand and water, from the shore up to the
pier. Oh hisse! Some complete plastic crates were carried inland to protect our
outplantings in the field. Here comes the number that makes each of us very
proud: we collected a total of 1050 lbs of marine debris covering about 4 cube
meters! Each of them is one less threat in the ocean and multiple life have
been saved. We collected about 50% of the total debris staged on the island.
More work needs to be done!
Everyday, we see trash on Kure:
light bulbs, lighters, toothbrushes, liquor bottles, shoes (often the right
side!), bottle lids, fishing net and weights, plastic bags, plastic containers,
kids figurines, just to name a few. Not only do they exist in the lagoon and at
our shorelines, but also inland, coming from a +30 years of Coast Guard
occupation to items collected by seabirds, often red and black plastic,
floating on the water and often mistaken for squid and flying fish parts. There
is not one bolus (regurgitation from albatross chicks) or stomach content from
carcasses that is free of plastic fragments. Birds die from its ingestion,
regurgitation and starvation. The Noddies use the fishing debris as nesting
materials which can entrap ground nesting birds such as Red-tailed tropic
birds. Not to mention that recently, two weaned pups have been rescued from
having their head and neck caught in a fishing net. They often constitute
macabre objects of curiosity. Without our intervention, they would not have
survived. It reminds us about our daily kuleana (responsibility) to care for
our planet which comes with reducing drastically our waste consumption. The
less the better if we look toward a sustainable and livable future for all
earthlings.
Well on a much happier note, we are
now a team of 6 DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources) personnel with
the addition of Matt Chauvin that arrived late June. He is called “Matt Geo”
(which photographs might end up in Nat Geo magazine, just saying…!) but also
“Young” or “New” Matt, in reference to our older Matt, crew leader. Matt Geo is
originally from Oregon. He studied Marine Biology at the University of Hawaii
and currently lives in the Honolulu area. This is his second experience coming
out to the North Western Hawaiian Islands as he spent his last summer on Laysan
Island, working with Hawaiian monk seals. He loves the ocean, photography (of
course!), and being surrounded by birds and nature. New Matt will add daily
efforts to restore our Green Island for few weeks now. Our departure from Kure
is scheduled at the end of August, time flies!
Mahalo for following our adventures
on the Green Island!
