Each year, the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project (PMDP) undertakes one of the most challenging conservation efforts in the Pacific: removing massive amounts of derelict fishing gear and plastic debris from the fragile reefs of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. 

Over 23 days at sea, the PMDP team removed 62,030 pounds of marine debris, surpassing their 60,000-pound goal. The work spanned four key locations, Lalo (French Frigate Shoals), Kamokuokamohoaliʻi (Maro Reef), Kamole (Laysan), and Kapou (Lisianski). These are some of the most remote and ecologically significant places in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

By the Numbers

62,030 pounds of debris removed, including:

• 38,175 pounds of derelict nets from coral reefs
• 10,545 pounds of nets pulled from shorelines
• 13,310 pounds of plastics collected from beaches
• 1,766 acres of coral reef surveyed and cleaned (roughly the size of 1,300 football fields)
• 149 acres of shoreline restored (about the size of Ala Moana Beach Park and Kapiolani Park combined)
• 19.79 miles of coastline cleared (equivalent to the entire North Shore of O‘ahu)

Beyond the Numbers

While the debris removed is measurable, the real story is in the people and processes that made it possible. From free divers carefully cutting heavy ghost nets free of coral, to GIS specialists working late into the night to map debris hotspots and guide search patterns, every role was critical.

One highlight of this year’s mission was the outstanding work of GIS Specialist Max Lee, who combined advanced mapping tools with real-time data to ensure the team’s time on the water was used with maximum impact. His dedication exemplifies the innovation and teamwork that make expeditions like this successful.

A Lasting Impact

The debris collected won’t just be discarded. Thanks to partnerships across Hawai‘i, it will be transformed through initiatives like Nets-to-Roads and Nets-to-Energy, finding new life as infrastructure materials or renewable energy.

As PMDP leadership noted, this mission was about more than meeting a weight goal. It was about safety, teamwork, cultural respect, and carrying forward the responsibility to protect these waters for future generations.

IBSS is proud to support partners like PMDP and NOAA in advancing this critical work. Together, we are helping safeguard ecosystems, protect endangered wildlife, and contribute to a cleaner, healthier ocean.

About IBSS

Since 1992, IBSS, a woman-owned small business, has provided transformational consulting services to the Federal defense, civilian, and commercial sectors. Our services include environmental science and engineering (including oceans, coasts, climate, weather, and satellite), cybersecurity and enterprise information technology, and professional management services.

Our approach is to serve our employees by investing in their growth and development. As a result, our employees bring greater capabilities and provide an exceptional level of service to our clients. In addition to creating career development opportunities for our employees, IBSS is passionate about giving back to the community and serving the environment. We strive to leave something better behind for the next generation.

We measure our success by the positive impact we have on our employees, clients, partners, and the communities we serve. Our tagline, Powered by Excellence, is a recognition of the employees that make up IBSS and ensures we deliver results with quality, applying industry best practices and certifications. Read more About Us.

Keywords: Ocean Cleanup, Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project, PMDP