Project Removed 147,000 Pounds of Debris in Hawaii
A five-year cleanup campaign concludes after teams cleared abandoned fishing nets and plastics from sensitive reef ecosystems.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Environmental
Live Poll
Do you believe community-led projects are an effective way to address environmental pollution in your area?
The Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project has removed 147,000 pounds of trash from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in 2026. This total, accumulated across three missions, marks the conclusion of a five-year effort to mitigate environmental hazards.
Why it matters
Accumulated marine debris, such as derelict fishing nets and plastics, poses a persistent threat to fragile reefs, shorelines, and local wildlife. By systematically clearing these materials, the project aims to restore habitat integrity within the monument.
Cleanup crews spent a total of 65 days at sea during 2026 to reach the remote locations of Kamole, Kapou, Manawai, and Hōlanikū. The final expedition alone accounted for 47,000 pounds of the year's 147,000-pound total.
The players
Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project
An organization dedicated to removing hazardous plastics and derelict fishing gear from the ecosystems within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
The details
Crews focused on extracting heavy derelict fishing gear and plastics that wash ashore or become entangled in the reefs of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The process involves identifying debris hotspots across multiple atolls and reefs, then utilizing manual labor to haul materials from sensitive habitats into vessels for transport back to Oʻahu. This five-year campaign prioritizes areas where debris significantly impacts protected marine species.
Timeline
2021-2026: Five-year effort to remove marine debris
September 14, 2026: PMDP crew departed for final expedition
October 8, 2026: Crew returned to Oʻahu to end field season
The Tech Race
This project completes a five-year cycle aligned with Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument conservation protocols. The organization has already committed to continuing these critical removal operations for an additional five-year term.
The debris removed during these 65 days at sea would have otherwise continued to degrade and threaten marine life across the Hawaiian atolls. Residents and stakeholders can follow the project's progress as it begins its next five-year phase of operations.
The takeaway
The successful conclusion of this five-year effort demonstrates the scale of debris accumulation in remote marine environments. Watch for the organization's upcoming reports as they begin their next five-year cycle of restoration missions.
What happens next
The organization has committed to initiating a new five-year cycle of cleanup operations, with further missions scheduled to continue the removal of debris from the monument.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to protect marine habitats in the Environmental section.
More information
Find further details on the cleanup efforts at the project information and support portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KHON2.
Live Poll
Do you believe community-led projects are an effective way to address environmental pollution in your area?
