A groundbreaking ocean cleanup initiative led by Hawaiʻi Pacific University has successfully removed 84 metric tons of derelict fishing gear from the North Pacific Ocean since its launch in November 2022, demonstrating that environmental stewardship and commercial fishing can work hand in hand.
The Bounty Project, organized by the university's Center for Marine Debris Research, has extracted over 185,000 pounds of abandoned nets, lines, and floats that pose significant threats to endangered marine wildlife and delicate reef ecosystems. The program represents one of only three known efforts actively removing debris from the distant North Pacific Garbage Patch.
The initiative's success stems from a straightforward yet innovative approach: positioning commercial fishermen already working on the ocean at the center of the solution. Through partnerships with the Hawaiʻi Longline Association and the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, eligible commercial fishermen receive compensation for recovering derelict gear during their routine fishing activities.
"It is incredible that we are now approaching 200,000 pounds of gear removed from the ocean through this project," stated Katie Stevens, project manager for HPU's Center for Marine Debris Research. "It has been great to see the enthusiasm and engagement of the commercial fishers as stewards of the ocean environment."
The program's effectiveness lies in its economic incentive structure. By compensating fishermen for debris recovery, the project ensures removal occurs at sea before abandoned equipment can drift into reefs, shorelines, or entangle marine life. This preventative approach proves far more efficient than waiting for debris to wash ashore.
Seventy-seven commercial fishermen have conducted more than 690 ghost gear seizures to date. Participating non-longline fishermen demonstrated remarkable response times, removing gear within 12 hours of first detection 88 percent of the time. This rapid action helps prevent debris from repeatedly snagging and dragging across sensitive habitat, minimizing ecological damage.
Hank Lynch, a participating fisherman, described how the financial incentive has created productive collaboration among the fishing community. "The financial reward has created friendly competition and results in a very rapid response to get the nets off of reefs to give the corals a fighting chance of survival," Lynch explained. "When the nets are too large, we call on the other bounty fishers for help and split the reward."
The project has received crucial support through a 2022 award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program, with Ocean Conservancy providing matching funds. Mark Manuel, NOAA Marine Debris Program's Pacific Islands Region Coordinator, praised the initiative's innovative model, noting that compensating those already on the water maximizes both efficiency and environmental benefit.
The program includes monthly surveillance of sensitive reef habitats, including Kāneʻohe Bay, supporting rapid-response recovery where derelict gear poses immediate risk to coral ecosystems. This proactive monitoring component ensures the most vulnerable areas receive priority attention.
Beyond removal, the project addresses the question of what happens to recovered materials. While most equipment undergoes shredding and incineration, innovative recycling efforts have emerged. Over 2,300 pounds of recovered gear were shredded and incorporated into an experimental pavement project in ʻEwa Beach called "Nets-to-Roads," conducted by the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation. Additional recovered material has been stored for future recycling research.
The Bounty Project demonstrates how environmental challenges can be addressed through creative partnerships that align economic incentives with conservation goals. By transforming commercial fishermen into paid environmental stewards, the program has achieved substantial results while supporting the livelihoods of those who work the ocean daily.
To sustain and expand removal efforts, HPU's Center for Marine Debris Research continues seeking support to strengthen rapid-response recovery in sensitive reef areas and advance solutions that prevent ghost gear from entering the ocean initially. Interested parties may contact Director Jennifer Lynch, Ph.D., to learn more about supporting this vital work protecting Hawaiian waters and marine ecosystems.