Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Megan Yarberry, of Hilo, leads a Blue Zones fitness activity during Tropic Care at Ocean View Community Center. Tropic Care health screenings continue through Saturday at noon in Ocean View and at Ka`u High School. Photo by Sue Dela Cruz/Blue Zones Project

HAWAI`I ISLAND’S MARINE DEBRIS is concentrated in Ka`u, on the southeastern tip of the island, particularly around Kamilo Point.
      A recent imagery analysis identified a total of 2,200 pieces of marine debris on the Big Island’s coasts, and the most common type, at 52 percent, was plastic.
      The state Department of Land & Natural Resources and North Pacific Marine Science Organization commissioned the aerial survey of all coastlines of the eight Main Hawaiian Islands. The study, Japanese Tsunami Marine Debris Aerial Imagery Analysis and GIS Support in the Main Hawaiian Islands, was funded by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan as part of the Japan Tsunami Gift Fund awarded to western states, including Hawai`i.

Kamilo Point collects marine debris that rides currents from other shores. Photo by Megan Lamson/HWF

      “In order to characterize the potential ecological consequences of tsunami and other debris, it’s important to quantify it,” said Kirsten Moy, DLNR’s Marine Debris Coordinator in the Division of Aquatic Resources. “Understanding the types, sizes and locations of debris accumulating on Hawaiian coastlines is crucial in developing plans to streamline removal and mitigate negative impacts.”
      Aerial surveys were conducted between August and November 2015. The study found that 38 percent of the total debris identified in aerial surveys of the Main Hawaiian Islands is on Ni`ihau, likely due to its position in the island chain and the particular ocean currents surrounding it. All other islands had 14 percent or less of the debris identified, with O`ahu having the least density at only five percent. “This could be a reflection of continuous beach clean-ups conducted by local residents and conservation organizations,” Moy said.
      DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “This survey found a very limited amount of debris associated with the Japan tsunami. Most of what was mapped is common, everyday items that someone haphazardly tossed onto the ground or directly into the water. These items get caught up in ocean currents, and unfortunately much of it eventually lands, mostly on north and east facing shores. Hawai`i is recognized around the world for our beautiful beaches. Unfortunately, we cannot say they are pristine, because they’ve been so seriously impacted by our trash.”
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A storm in the East Pacific is expected to strengthen as it moves west-northwest. Map from NWS