STEP 1: DETECT
Hawaii’s unique position near the North Pacific Garbage Patch (NPGP) means our shores are directly impacted by drifting marine debris, particularly derelict fishing gear (DFG) that damages coral reefs and endangers local marine life. The Detection phase of the Nets to Infrastructure project leverages advanced technology to anticipate and address these debris influxes, enabling proactive, effective clean-up efforts.
OUR APPROACH
Using sophisticated ocean drift models, our team tracks the movement of the NPGP, which periodically shifts closer to Hawaii, bringing heightened debris loads to our islands. This predictive system, developed with the International Pacific Research Center (IPRC), allows us to mobilize and prioritize clean-up operations based on near-real-time debris location estimates. Our models show the NPGP’s dynamic, "wobbling" movement between Hawaii and the US West Coast, making it possible to estimate when its debris will impact our shores.
KEY TECHNOLOGIES IN USE
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OCEAN DRIFT MODELS
Our collaboration with oceanographers includes predictive modelling to simulate the movement of old debris within the NPGP. These models forecast up to 1,000 nautical miles away, helping us anticipate when and where debris is likely to accumulate on Hawaii’s shores. |
IMPACT OF DETECTION
The ability to detect is crucial in mitigating the environmental damage caused by drifting debris.
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Coral Reef Protection: Early detection allows us to intercept large debris before it bulldozes coral reefs or introduces invasive species. |
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Community and Ecosystem Safety: Anticipating debris influxes helps protect our marine life and maintain the health of Hawaii’s unique ecosystems. |
Since December 2023, this model-driven approach has led to the removal of over 29 metric tons of plastic debris by commercial fishers participating in the project’s bounty program. By staying vigilant, they help mitigate the debris's toll on our local marine habitats.
Real-Time Debris Tracking
You can now view a time-lapse video of the NPGP’s location and trajectory, from January 2023 to the present. This publicly available tool on our website provides daily maps of the NPGP's position and floating plastic concentrations near the Hawaiian Islands, helping us and the community stay informed about debris risks.
Get Involved
Help us protect Hawaii’s shores from ocean waste. Support our efforts in creating sustainable infrastructure from reclaimed marine debris and join us in making a difference. Get in touch!