New Film Addresses Threats to Papahānaumokuākea

Kamilo Beach Cleanup Photo credit Angie Metriyakool/Luu Kai Photography.

A new short film released by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is highlighting the threat of marine debris to Hawai‘iʻs ocean environment and clean-up efforts at Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Since 1996, a joint clean-up team comprised of individuals from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its Marine Debris program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), has removed more than two million pounds of marine debris. The debris continue to accumulate at roughly 52 metric tons per year in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Marine debris includes fishing gear, non-biodegradable household waste, plastics and other debris.

Created by filmmaker Steven Gnam, the film incorporates underwater and seascape photography to convey the significance of the ocean in Native Hawaiian culture. The film also features music from Jack Johnson, the American singer-songwriter, actor, record producer, documentary filmmaker and former surfer.

The film was funded by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation in partnership with Sea Salts of Hawai‘i.

Learn more about the threat posed by marine debris and view the video at the link below.

VIDEO: Spotlighting the Threat Marine Debris Poses to Wildlife in Papahānaumokuākea