A Community Approach to Addressing and Preventing Derelict Recreational Fishing Gear

Hawai‘i Marine Animal Response carried out a project to reduce the negative impacts of marine debris on protected marine species and coastal habitats of O‘ahu through the detection and removal of derelict recreational fishing gear.

Type of Project: Removal 

Region: Pacific Islands 

Project Dates: September 2020 - August 2021

Who was involved?
Hawaii Marine Animal Response (HMAR), in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hawai‘i State Department of Land and Natural Resources, NOAA Marine Debris Program, and local dive shops, removed recreational fishing gear from the shorelines and nearshore waters of O‘ahu through their BEAT DEBRIS program.

What was the project and why was it important?
Data collected during HMAR field activity and rescue reports showed that approximately 40% of Hawaiian monk seal and 25% of sea turtle rescues conducted by HMAR have been related to the entanglement and ingestion of recreational fishery gear. This removal project was geared to prevent protected marine wildlife from further interacting with this debris by removing derelict recreational fishing gear and restoring near-shore coral reef habitats.

To accomplish the mission, HMAR staff and volunteers utilized three main approaches: 1) managed fishing line recycling bins onshore to encourage responsible disposal; 2) conducted snorkel and SCUBA surveys and removal dives from the shoreline; 3) engaged with community in formal and informal settings to encourage stewardship; and 4) established a citizen science project, BEAT DEBRIS, where members of the public could report all debris collected during diving activity.

For more information about this project, visit the Marine Debris Program Clearinghouse.