Our Give back to Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
We are proud to give 1% of all proceeds to the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project, created to protect the sensitive wildlife and critical habitats of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument from the threats of marine debris and towards maintenance of its many significant Hawaiian cultural sites.
Critical Area in Need
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is the single largest conservation area under the U.S. flag and one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world and was inscribed as a mixed (natural and cultural) World Heritage Site. It covers an area of 582,578 square miles.
Marine debris have become a critical issue here due to the natural current that flows towards the islands carrying trash and marine debris with it. Being uninhabited without residents that routinely clean the area, a backlog of debris has accumulated and continues to.
Working to Protect Reefs and Wildlife
Reefs & Coral
Derelict fishing nets cause large-scale damage to coral reefs, snagging and breaking apart living coral colonies. An estimated 950,000 lbs. backlog of accumulated fishing nets exists in Papahānaumokuākea.
Seabirds
14 million seabirds of 22 species reside in Papahānaumokuākea. Many of these birds mistake plastic rubbish for food and feed it to their chicks.
Monk Seals & Turtles
The endangered Hawaiian monk seal (only 1400 remaining) and threatened green sea turtle are commonly entangled in derelict fishing nets, and can drown or starve to death as a result.
Marine Debris Project
Marine Debris Removal
Annual large-scale marine debris missions to remove fishing nets and plastics from the reefs and shorelines.
Raising Awareness
Raising awareness of the issue of marine debris and inspiring change through education and outreach.
Working Toward Change
Working for creative solutions for recycling and re-utilization of the waste-stream
Photo Credits: Steven Gnam / NOAA Fisheries
Video Credits: Film was funded by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation in partnership with Sea Salts of Hawaii