The, Er, Beauty of Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands are some of the most beautiful vacation spots in the world, but you might not know it from the loads of the sea litter on the shoreline.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) launched the second stage of its project aimed at cleaning up Hawaiian shores, and plans to remove an estimated 129 tons of marine debris from the main islands and near shore reefs. Marine debris--such as old fishing lines, rope, nets, and traps--presents a hazard to Hawaiian marine life, habitat, and safe boat navigation.

The second stage of the assault on beach debris follows extensive helicopter surveys of the islands to gauge the abundance, distribution, and impact of debris on the islands. The teams identified 711 sites totaling more than a quarter-million tons of debris, mostly on the beaches. Oahu, Kauai, and Lanai lead the other islands in both debris sties and estimated debris weight.

Don't blame Hawaiians for all the trash, though. Trawl nets, which aren't used in Hawaii, were the most common nets found on the shores. Windward-facing shorelines contained substantially more abandoned fishing gear than leeward shores, indicating the northeasterly trade winds play a primary role in debris deposition.

Debris removed from beaches and reefs will be transported to Schnitzer Steel Hawaii Corporation for processing prior to being incinerated for energy production, a marine debris recycling effort launched earlier this year

--Bjorn Carey

• Amazing Images: Photos You Submit
• Image Galleries: Science All Around You
• Videos: Science and Nature in Action

Credit: NOAA