About the Program
Honolulu Port Reception Feasibility Study and Derelict Net Recycling Program
Project Background
Hawai‘i-based longline fishermen often encounter derelict fishing nets (a form of marine debris) when traveling to and from fishing grounds and when fishing in areas of current convergence where debris is accumulated. Derelict fishing nets and other fishing gear from domestic and foreign sources in the greater Pacific are safety hazards and can cause damage to vessels. Carried by currents, the nets wash ashore and snag on the coral reefs of the Northwestern and Main Hawaiian Islands, causing extensive damage and entangling marine mammals, turtles, and other wildlife each year. Over the years, many Hawai‘i-based longline fishermen have voluntarily brought these derelict nets back to port to eliminate the risk of future at-sea encounters. In the past, this marine debris has gone to an already stressed county landfill.
This project is two-part: 1) a feasibility study for the creation of a marine debris port reception program in Honolulu (short term) and the implementation and maintenance of such a program (long term), and 2) implementation of a marine debris port reception program based on the results of the feasibility study. The goal is to help reduce environmental impacts to coastal natural resources in Hawai‘i, reduce navigational hazards, and create new partnerships between private, public, and governmental entities.
1. Port Reception Feasibility Project
NOAA Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIRO), along with the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, conducted a survey of the active O‘ahu-based commercial longline vessels to determine the frequency (per trip) and approximate weight of encountered derelict fishing net over the last year. The volume of debris and method of disposal were recorded along with the feasibility and longliners’ willingness to remove and transport derelict net back to a port facility in Honolulu. A determination was then made of the most economic and environmentally friendly approach to debris disposal. The study also assessed the feasibility and cost of providing beacons to commercial fishermen to satellite-tag encountered debris if they are not able or willing to remove material.
2. Derelict Fishing Net Disposal Port Reception and Recycling Program
As part of this project, the Honolulu Harbor Derelict Fishing Net Disposal and Recycling Program was created. Recognizing the efforts made by these longline fishermen, a private-public partnership was formed to help coordinate a more environmentally friendly approach to this debris disposal. A 31 cubic yard roll-off container is located at Pier 38 in Honolulu Harbor and serves as the derelict net receptacle. The receptacle will be kept locked to prevent disposal of other types of materials. Schnitzer Steel Hawaii Corp. (formerly Hawai‘i Metal Recycling Co.) will empty the container and transport the debris to their facility where they will chop it into smaller pieces. These pieces of net and fishing gear will then be recycled at the City and County of Honolulu ‘s H-Power facility. Approximately 100 tons of derelict fishing net will produce enough electricity to power an estimated 43 Oahu homes for a year. Time, labor, and equipment are being donated by all partners.
Project Partners
Project partners include the Hawai‘i Longline Association, Schnitzer Steel Hawaii Corp. (formerly Hawai‘i Metal Recycling Co.), United Fishing Agency, Pacific Ocean Producers, Covanta Energy, Matson Navigation Co., NOAA, Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, Department of Transportation-Harbors Division, City and County of Honolulu, and University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program.
View photos from the Port Reception Facility
This project is housed within NOAA Fisheries Pacific Island Regional Office. It has been funded by the NOS/OR&R Marine Debris Program.
