Ulithi Youth Leaders Collaboration: Tackling Plastic Pollution, Hawaii Week of 9/22
COI traveled to Hawaii Island to train Ulithi Youth Leaders from the Federated States of Micronesia in our EPAP protocols. This initiative, in partnership with One People One Reef, seeks to collaborate with the Ulithi community to monitor and document plastic debris patterns in the Micronesian environment over time.
Our trip to Hawaii Island was a meaningful collaboration with the Ulithi Youth Leaders, resulting in a successful training session on COI's EPAP surveys. Despite the heat, the Youth Leaders demonstrated incredible perseverance, taking on each task without hesitation.
Over the course of the collaboration, we surveyed three distinct beaches in the North Kona area. Our first stop was Spencer Beach Park, a favorite destination for both locals and tourists. Within our designated survey boundaries, we collected 102 pieces of plastic waste, however, there was an abundance of microplastics beyond the survey zone.
Next, we traveled 30 miles south to Wawaloli Beach, a more secluded area frequented primarily by locals. Here, we gathered 137 pieces of plastic, adding to the mounting evidence of pollution.
Lastly, just 1.5 miles south of Wawaloli Beach, we surveyed Kohanaiki Beach, a bustling surfing spot. Despite regular cleanups by members of the adjacent gated community, the sheer volume of microplastics remained overwhelming. We collected 106 pieces of plastic, but the tiny, insidious fragments seemed to cover every inch of the sand.
Throughout the trip, we were inspired by the dedication of the Ulithi Youth Leaders, who shared insights into the far worse plastic pollution challenges faced on their own islands. They repeatedly expressed the urgent need for assistance in combating this growing crisis.
If you’d like to support our ongoing efforts with the Ulithi community, please consider making a donation. Simply note "Ulithi" in the explanation section of our online donation form (see the red button above) or send contributions to: 345 Lake Avenue, Suite G, Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Thank you for helping us make a difference!
Our trip to Hawaii Island was a meaningful collaboration with the Ulithi Youth Leaders, resulting in a successful training session on COI's EPAP surveys. Despite the heat, the Youth Leaders demonstrated incredible perseverance, taking on each task without hesitation.
Over the course of the collaboration, we surveyed three distinct beaches in the North Kona area. Our first stop was Spencer Beach Park, a favorite destination for both locals and tourists. Within our designated survey boundaries, we collected 102 pieces of plastic waste, however, there was an abundance of microplastics beyond the survey zone.
Next, we traveled 30 miles south to Wawaloli Beach, a more secluded area frequented primarily by locals. Here, we gathered 137 pieces of plastic, adding to the mounting evidence of pollution.
Lastly, just 1.5 miles south of Wawaloli Beach, we surveyed Kohanaiki Beach, a bustling surfing spot. Despite regular cleanups by members of the adjacent gated community, the sheer volume of microplastics remained overwhelming. We collected 106 pieces of plastic, but the tiny, insidious fragments seemed to cover every inch of the sand.
Throughout the trip, we were inspired by the dedication of the Ulithi Youth Leaders, who shared insights into the far worse plastic pollution challenges faced on their own islands. They repeatedly expressed the urgent need for assistance in combating this growing crisis.
If you’d like to support our ongoing efforts with the Ulithi community, please consider making a donation. Simply note "Ulithi" in the explanation section of our online donation form (see the red button above) or send contributions to: 345 Lake Avenue, Suite G, Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Thank you for helping us make a difference!