51,475 Pounds Removed by PMDP Mission#1
- Kevin O'Brien
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Many hands make light work. The field team loads pieces of a large net into a PMDP Zodiac. Photo: Andrew Sullivan-Haskins
Aloha PMDP ʻOhana,
The 2026 season is off to a roaring start! The team recently returned from the first cleanup mission of 2026. From April 27 to May 14, PMDP cleanup up the entirety of the shorelines and reefs of Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll). This was not our typical ship-based mission. Instead, our team traveled to Kuaihelani by plane (the only location within Papahānaumokuakea that is accessible by air) and dedicated the entire mission to cleaning this single atoll. Living and working on the island gave us a unique opportunity to deepen our connection to this special place and strengthen our understanding of the challenges it faces.
Over two weeks in the field, our team of 14 experienced technicians removed 51,475 pounds of marine debris. In the process, we cleaned all accessible shoreline areas, as well as the fringing reef. Here's a closer look at the numbers:
50,000lbs removed from 9 miles of shoreline
(This is an average of 5,555 pounds PER MILE)
25,745lbs of net
24,125lbs of plastic
130lbs of boat fragments and other miscellaneous debris
1,475lbs removed directly from coral reef habitat, all of which were derelict fishing nets
134 Supersacks filled
These numbers represent only 1 year of accumulation- a sobering fact, considering the small size of this atoll. This marks our third consecutive year conducting a standalone cleanup effort on Kuaihelani, allowing us to build a clearer picture of annual marine debris accumulation in the area. One thing has become increasingly clear: This place needs our continued attention.
The team sits atop rows of supersacks filled with nets and plastics.
Kuaihelani is home to the world's largest nesting colony of mōli (Laysan Albatross), with approximately 1.2 million breeding adults and half a million chicks present, as well as many other ecologically important, threatened, and endangered species. Protecting these remarkable wildlife populations is at the heart of why we do this work and what inspires us to return year after year.
We are incredibly grateful to our partners at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), for hosting us at Kuaihelani and making this mission possible. This mission also included participation from our valued partners from several organizations working to manage and protect Papahānaumokuakea: the Papahānaumokuākea Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group, the Papahānaumokuākea Sanctuary Advisory Council, the Papahānaumokuākea Coalition, and NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. We are very grateful for their perspective and manaʻo on culture, connection, and advocacy as we work together to ensure this place continues to thrive.
Partners Kalani Quiocho, Kenika Lorenzo-Elarco and Hauʻoli Lorenzo-Elarco of the Papahānaumokuakea Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group work to remove a net from the shoreline during their time with PMDP at Kuaihelani.
Looking ahead, we have a busy summer filled with community engagement, outreach events, and preparation for upcoming field missions. Scroll down to learn more about what's ahead and stay tuned for additional summer updates!
Mahalo to each and every member of the PMDP community for making this work possible. Your support helps us protect some of the most remote and important wildlife habitats in the world.
With gratitude,
The PMDP Team
From Our Shore to Yours
During our mission, we hosted two livestreams directly from the field - one for the general public and one designed specifically for students. These virtual events gave participants a unique opportunity to connect with our team in real time, hear firsthand about our work, and watch shoreline cleanup efforts in action along Kalaumanu (Eastern Island).
Through these livestreams, we engaged with more than 45 classrooms across Hawaiʻi, reaching over 450 students, as well as more than 90 members of the public. To watch a recording of the public livestream, please visit the link below.
