Hawaii

Free divers remove 100,000 lbs of ‘ghost net’ garbage from coral reefs in Hawaii

Published

3 years ago

August 3, 2022

Free divers remove 100,000 lbs of ‘ghost net’ garbage from coral reefs in Hawaii

Divers in Hawaii eliminated almost 100,000 of ghost nets from distant coral reefs (Image: Reuters)

A bunch of divers and eliminated almost 100,000 kilos of discarded fishing nets and plastics from distant coral reefs within the Hawaiian Islands.

Divers from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Particles Mission (PMDP) went on a 27-day tour to the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Nationwide Monument (PMNM), about 800 miles west of Honolulu.

A complete of 16 divers eliminated roughly 6,400 kilos of ghost nets and particles per day for 15 days of operation.

The workforce of divers have been free divers who use breath-holding strategies reasonably than scuba gear. The divers needed to fastidiously lower every internet underwater to keep away from additional damaging the coral.

A complete of 86,105 kilos of nets have been collected from one single coral reef – Kamokuokamohoaliʻi – which interprets to ‘island of the shark god.’

‘That’s the equal of taking a stroll by way of New York’s Central Park and some surrounding blocks, and discovering sufficient trash there to equal the load of a industrial commuter airliner,’ stated PMDP President Kevin O’Brien.

Kamokuokamohoali’i is about eight miles lengthy and residential to 37 species of coral.

‘The truth that we’re seeing this type of accumulation in such a single small space is admittedly indicative of the size of the worldwide marine particles challenge,’ stated O’Brien. ‘Kamokuokamohoaliʻi is among the most pristine and remoted locations on the planet, and if it’s ending up right here in these portions, it means we’ve received an issue.’

‘Ghost nets’ are tangled plenty of discarded plastic fishing nets. They smother coral colonies on the ocean flooring.

Nets and plastics are additionally a critical menace to wildlife within the space, together with nesting seabirds, inexperienced sea turtles and the Hawaiian monk seal.

The endangered monk seal, which breeds on desert islands within the PMNM, has a inhabitants of only one,500 people and might simply get caught in ghost nets.

A few of the collected nets might be incinerated and became power to energy properties on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Others might be recycled in a program additionally run by the PMDP.

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Hawaii

Why are scientists dropping mosquitoes from drones in Hawaii? | – The Times of India

Published

15 hours ago

June 23, 2025

Press Room

Hawaii is home to a unique and diverse array of native bird species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. However, these birds are facing a significant threat from an invasive species: mosquitoes. According to Vox Media, a drone flying over Hawaii’s remote forests is releasing containers filled with live mosquitoes. This approach is aimed at addressing the islands’ severe extinction crisis. Hawaii has lost hundreds of unique species due to invasive species like feral pigs and stray cats. With many native animals on the brink of extinction, scientists are working urgently to preserve what’s left.

Extinction crisis of Hawaii’s native birds

Hawaii’s forest birds, particularly the iconic honeycreepers, are facing a threat from avian malaria, a disease transmitted by non-native mosquitoes. Climate change is exacerbating the issue, allowing mosquitoes to move into higher elevations, further threatening the remaining bird populations. Once thriving with over 50 species, today only 17 honeycreeper species remain, with many driven to extinction. Scientists are working to save these species because malaria is the primary cause of extinction. Researchers are looking into a novel way to help fight the disease: releasing mosquitoes via drones. A promising step in preserving Hawaii’s priceless wildlife is this drone-based solution.

The problem: Mosquito-borne diseases

Early in the 20th century, mosquitoes were brought to the islands. They weren’t indigenous to Hawaii. Since then, they have spread rapidly and are now a significant issue for the local birds. Many native bird species are killed by diseases like avian malaria and avian poxvirus, which are spread by mosquitoes.

The impact on native birds of Hawaii

The impact of mosquitoes on Hawaii’s native bird population has been devastating. Numerous species are in grave danger of going extinct, including the Palila and the Akikiki. Since these species are unique to Hawaii, their extinction would be devastating not only for Hawaii’s ecosystem but also for the entire world.

Conservation efforts

Through a range of strategies, such as habitat restoration, captive breeding initiatives, and mosquito control, conservationists are attempting to preserve Hawaii’s native bird population.Also read | Rare blood-red squid captured alive for the first time off Antarctica on camera

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Hawaii

The best Hawaii high schools for athletes? According to one study, these are the top 25

Published

1 day ago

June 22, 2025

Press Room

The best Hawaii high schools for athletes? According to one study, these are the top 25

Hawaii high school sports have been the starting point for countless legendary athletes.

Names like Clarence “Buster” Crabbe, Duke Kahanamoku and Jackie Pung are part of the historical storylines, alongside more recent stars such as Michelle Wie West, Jocelyn Alo, Marcus Mariota, Manti Te’o and emerging talents like Dillion Gabriel.

Total number of sports: 26

1. Punahou School (Honolulu)

Total number of sports: 21

Data via Niche survey statistics

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Hawaii

OHA, Native Hawaiian activists speak out against renewed fishing at national marine sanctuary

Published

2 days ago

June 22, 2025

Press Room

OHA, Native Hawaiian activists speak out against renewed fishing at national marine sanctuary

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has opposed efforts to renew commercial fishing in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

On Friday, OHA, along with the Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group (NHCWG), spoke out against a renewed push to open Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary to commercial fishing.

“This is a pu‘uhonua (sanctuary) that allows our people to revitalize practices like navigation that depend on healthy ecosystems and helps fish populations recover, which benefits all Hawaiʻi nei,” said OHA board chair Kaialiʻi Kahele. “Our marine monuments are fulfilling their purpose – there is no need to alter what is already working.”

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the sanctuary encompasses over 582,000 square miles of the Pacific Ocean and is home to a variety of marine life.

This comes after the Western Pacific Regional Fishing Management Council met and reaffirmed its position to allow commercial fishing in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands.

OHA said scientific research, along with historic traditions, supports the protection of the marine sanctuary to preserve the sacredness of the region and the vitality of marine species and cultural practices.

“Commercial extraction and locust-like behavior creating unbalance in the world is not Hawaiian,” said NHCWG member Pelika Andrade. “The protections of Papahānaumokuākea are only necessary because of how industries, like commercial fishing, have depleted our oceans.”

Andrade said their “ultimate goal, as Native Hawaiians, is ʻāina momona (fertile or rich land), and what the council is proposing does not align with that.”

In April, President Trump signed an executive order to allow fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage National Monument south of Hawaii.

The council said it will now recommend that President Trump also open the northwestern islands, where fish stocks are sustainable.

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