Parley Foundation is implementing a marine debris prevention initiative focused on the impacts of derelict fishing gear and single-use plastics in Hawai‘i.
Type of Project: Prevention
Region: Pacific Islands
Project Dates: September 2022 - February 2024
Who is involved?
With the support of the NOAA Marine Debris Program, Parley Foundation in collaboration with Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, Zero Waste O‘ahu, Nā Kama Kai, Huli, and Kahākūkahi, is carrying out a marine debris prevention initiative focused on awareness and education surrounding the impacts of derelict fishing gear and single-use plastics.
What is the project and why is it important?
Derelict fishing gear, such as lines, nets, and rope, that is lost or discarded harms coral reefs and native ecosystems by entangling wildlife and habitat, creating navigational hazards, and introducing species that could potentially become invasive. Similarly, single-use plastics can impact wildlife through ingestion, physical injury, and even death if they enter our waterways and ocean. Hawai‘i is impacted by both of these common types of marine debris as the archipelago is close to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
The Parley Foundation and project partners are implementing the AIR Strategy (Avoid, Intercept and Redesign) to prevent marine debris. They are hosting Ocean Stewardship Clinics and beach cleanups that take underserved youth directly to the ocean to learn about environmental issues, become inspired, and create lasting solutions. Following these clinics and cleanups, students visit the Parley AIR Station, a collaborative community hub dedicated to inspiring action for the ocean, where they participate in educational presentations, interactive social events, and upcycling workshops.
The Parley Foundation and partners anticipate reaching over 30,000 individuals through educational sessions at the Parley AIR Station, Ocean Stewardship Clinics, and beach cleanups. They hope to upcycle or repurpose at least 2,500 pounds of plastics to encourage thinking outside the box and the redesign of materials. Project participants will understand that their consumer choices can have the power to reduce the impacts of derelict fishing gear and plastics on wildlife and the ocean.