For years, Hawai‘i’s longline fishermen have been collecting derelict net and fishing gear encountered while out at sea, and discarding it in the county landfill upon their return. Recognizing the efforts made by these fishermen, a private-public partnership was formed
For years, Hawai‘i’s longline fishermen have been collecting derelict net and fishing gear encountered while out at sea, and discarding it in the county landfill upon their return.
Recognizing the efforts made by these fishermen, a private-public partnership was formed to coordiante a more environmentally friendly approach to this debris disposal.
With the new derelict net disposal program, the debris will be taken to the city and county of Honolulu’s HPower facility and recycled to produce electricity. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council and the private-public partnership recently launched the program in mid-January.
More information is available at marinedebris.noaa.gov.