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For years, we have been poisoning our oceans with toxic trash dumps.
In fact, it has gotten so bad in the Pacific Ocean that one area has been deemed the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch.”
However, one group in Hawaii went above and beyond to fight back against ocean pollution.
The Ocean Voyages Institute set a record for trash hauled from the Pacific Ocean after pulling a total of 103 tons out of the treacherously dirty area.
KITV 4 first reported that OVI returned its vessel, Kwai, to Honolulu in late June. That concluded a 48-day mission that included removing plastic, fishing nets, and debris from the water.
It is estimated that between 1.15 to 2.41 million tons of plastic enter the ocean through rivers on an annual basis. Currents send stronger plastics to their eventual landing spot in the area known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
Ocean Voyages Institute hauled in 40 tons last year, but they more than doubled their record in 2020.
Executive director Mary Crowley told Maritime Executive:
“We exceeded our goal of capturing more than 100 tons of toxic consumer plastics and derelict ‘ghost’ nets — and in these challenging times, we are continuing to help restore the health of our ocean, which influences our own health and the health of the planet.”
Their work is far from done, though.
The group plans on collecting more debris this year and will add two more vessels to boost production next year.
Crowley put everything in perspective:
“There is no doubt in my mind that our work is making the oceans healthier for the planet and safer for marine wildlife, as these nets will never again entangle or harm a whale, dolphin, turtle or reefs.”
Have you ever participated in a clean-up effort against pollution? What measures do you take to stop pollution in your community?
Tell us more in the comments below!
