gov.noaa.nmfs.inport:25089 eng UTF8 dataset CSV Files Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center 808-725-5300 1845 Wasp Blvd. Honolulu HI 96818 USA https://www.pifsc.noaa.gov WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link Website Website for this organization information 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. resourceProvider Akridge, Michael W (808)725-5483 1845 Wasp Blvd. Honolulu HI 96818 USA michael.akridge@noaa.gov pointOfContact 2026-03-04T19:17:24 ISO 19115-2 Geographic Information - Metadata Part 2 Extensions for imagery and gridded data ISO 19115-2:2009(E) Marine Debris Survey and Removal Efforts in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands from 1999 to 2021 Marine Debris Survey and Removal Efforts - NWHI 2019 publication NOAA/NMFS/EDM 25089 https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inport/item/25089 WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link Full Metadata Record View the complete metadata record on InPort for more information about this dataset. information Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center 808-725-5360 1845 Wasp Blvd. Honolulu HI 96818 USA pifsc.info@noaa.gov https://www.pifsc.noaa.gov WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Website Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center homepage information 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. originator https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/pacific-islands/marine-debris-research-and-removal-northwestern-hawaiian-islands WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link Marine Debris Research and Removal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Information about marine debris research and removal efforts in Northwestern Hawaiian Islands by Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center download tableDigital The marine debris data included in this dataset are from annual in-water surveys conducted from 1999 to 2021 at the reefs, atolls and islands in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) by the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC), Ecosystem Sciences Division (ESD) with funding from Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (PMNM), and NOAA's Marine Debris (MDP) and Damage Assessment Remediation and Restoration (DARRP) Programs. These surveys and removal efforts of marine debris were conducted primarily during ship-based missions to the NWHI, and also as fly-in missions. During a mission, surveys were conducted by divers based on small boats launched either from a ship or from the shore. Two survey methods were used to search for marine debris; tow and swim surveys. Tow surveys were used in the relatively even-depth (usually less than 10 meters deep), contiguous backreef habitats, typically at Midway Atoll, Kure Atoll and Pearl and Hermes Atoll. Two free-divers were towed behind a small boat to search for debris throughout the water column. Swim surveys were used primarily in the comparatively high-relief and patchy lagoonal reef habitats of Maro Reef and Pearl and Hermes Atoll. During swim surveys, two or more snorkelers swam across the reefs to search for debris while being directed by the small boats to follow pre-planned routes. Survey areas and routes were chosen based on regional reef morphology and past debris accumulation records. During a survey, if debris larger than 0.012 cubic meters (size of a small toolbox) was encountered, descriptive information about the debris and its location (i.e., type, color, size, biofouling, estimated depth, substrate composition/color) were recorded and a GPS waypoint was taken. Debris was removed if determined to be safe to do so and without causing damage to the surrounding coral reef habitat. Once removed, the volume of removed debris was estimated and recorded. At the end of the survey or if the small boat reached its capacity, the boat returned to the ship or to the shore and the boats debris load was weighed and recorded. Up to 4 small boats in one day concurrently conducted surveys during a mission. The purpose of the marine debris survey and removal efforts in Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is to mitigate entanglement threats to wildlife, in particular to the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) and the threatened green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and to reduce the impact on coral reef habitats. Also, the focused effort to survey the debris in the backreef areas in Midway Atoll aims to study rates of debris accumulation in this remote location. PIFSC Ecosystem Sciences Division onGoing Garriques, Joao D (808)725-5407 1845 Wasp Blvd. Honolulu HI 96818 USA joao.garriques@noaa.gov 0700 to 1530 Email preferred pointOfContact Garriques, Joao D (808)725-5407 1845 Wasp Blvd. Honolulu HI 96818 USA joao.garriques@noaa.gov 0700 to 1530 Email preferred custodian asNeeded 1014 1224 20497 Marine Debris Survey & Removal from the Northwest Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) Marine Debris Survey and Removal from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI): Maintenance Mode Marine debris removal and assessment of debris accumulation rates in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument Marine debris removal from NWHI Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine Debris Removal, Research, and Outreach theme CRCP Project Geographic Information > Marine Debris theme CoRIS Discovery Thesaurus EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Reef Damage Assessment > Marine Debris theme CoRIS Theme Thesaurus DEBRIS theme NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS AMERICAN ISLANDER KUKUI OSCAR ELTON SETTE TOWNSEND CROMWELL theme NODC PLATFORM NAMES THESAURUS COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Hawaii > Honolulu > French Frigate Shoals (24N166W0001) COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Hawaii > Honolulu > Gardner Pinnacles (25N168W0001) COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Hawaii > Honolulu > Kure Atoll (28N178W0001) COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Hawaii > Honolulu > Laysan Island (25N171W0001) COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Hawaii > Honolulu > Lisianski Island (25N173W0001) COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Hawaii > Honolulu > Maro Reef (25N170W0001) COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Hawaii > Honolulu > Midway Atoll (28N177W0001) COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Hawaii > Honolulu > Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (28N178W0000) COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Hawaii > Honolulu > Pearl and Hermes Reef (27N176W0001) OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Central Pacific Ocean > Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (28N178W0000) OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Central Pacific Ocean > Northwestern Hawaiian Islands > French Frigate Shoals (24N166W0001) OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Central Pacific Ocean > Northwestern Hawaiian Islands > Gardner Pinnacles (25N168W0001) OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Central Pacific Ocean > Northwestern Hawaiian Islands > Kure Atoll (28N178W0001) OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Central Pacific Ocean > Northwestern Hawaiian Islands > Laysan Island (25N171W0001) OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Central Pacific Ocean > Northwestern Hawaiian Islands > Lisianski Island (25N173W0001) OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Central Pacific Ocean > Northwestern Hawaiian Islands > Maro Reef (25N170W0001) OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Central Pacific Ocean > Northwestern Hawaiian Islands > Midway Atoll (28N177W0001) OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Central Pacific Ocean > Northwestern Hawaiian Islands > Pearl and Hermes Reef (27N176W0001) place CoRIS Place Thesaurus North Pacific Ocean Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument place NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS CRED CREP Coral Reef Ecosystem Division Coral Reef Ecosystem Program Derelict Fishing Gear Ecosystem F/V Ocean Fury M/V Casitas Marine Debris NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) PIFSC Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center R/V Freebird R/V Katmai USCG Walnut theme NWHI Northwestern Hawaiian Islands place DOC/NOAA/NMFS/PIFSC > Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce dataCentre Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords 2017-04-24 publication 8.5 Marine Debris project InPort otherRestrictions Cite As: Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, [Date of Access]: Marine Debris Survey and Removal Efforts in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands from 1999 to 2021 [Data Date Range], https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inport/item/25089. NOAA provides no warranty, nor accepts any liability occurring from any incomplete, incorrect, or misleading data, or from any incorrect, incomplete, or misleading use of the data. It is the responsibility of the user to determine whether or not the data is suitable for the intended purpose. otherRestrictions Access Constraints: None otherRestrictions Use Constraints: These marine debris survey data act as a proxy for area surveyed and have not been screened for accuracy based on environmental conditions or GPS accuracy. NOAA can not be held liable for use of these data in a manner other than for perusal of preliminary marine debris data for scientific research on coral reef ecosystems. When using this data, please credit the Ecosystem Sciences Division, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service. Suggested citation: Ecosystem Sciences Division; Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, (2016). Marine Debris Survey and Removal Efforts in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands since 1998. NOAA's National Center for Environmental Information, https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inport/item/25089. otherRestrictions Distribution Liability: These marine debris survey data are PRELIMINARY data and have not been screened for accuracy. NOAA can not be held liable for use of these data in a manner other than for perusal of preliminary marine debris data for scientific research on coral reef ecosystems. Disclaimer - NOAA makes no warranty regarding these data, expressed or implied, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data, nor as a result of the failure of these data to function on a particular system. unclassified Not applicable Not applicable Shoreline surveys and removal of marine debris at Midway Atoll, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands from 2013 to 2018 NOAA/NMFS/EDM 32834 crossReference NOAA Data Management Plan (DMP) NOAA/NMFS/EDM 25089 https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inportserve/waf/noaa/nmfs/pifsc/dmp/pdf/25089.pdf WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link NOAA Data Management Plan (DMP) NOAA Data Management Plan for this record on InPort. information crossReference eng; US environment A GPS unit is used to record the trackline during tow surveys and the location of large debris items found. Mission TC99-10 -175.831567 -173.9573333 26.0539 27.937667 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 1999-10-06 1999-11-04 Mission TC00-10 -166.27653 -166.20976 23.85918 23.87161 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2000-08-09 2000-08-25 Mission TC00-12 -178.37224 -173.96036 26.06665 28.42655 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2000-10-09 2000-11-05 Mission KM2001 -175.84309 -175.72602 27.82589 27.96068 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2001-09-02 2001-11-22 Mission AI/OF2001 -178.37218 -178.28545 28.08416667 28.45381 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2001-09-02 2001-11-22 Mission TC01-11 -178.29299 -166.2089 23.85885 28.41266 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2001-10-22 2001-11-20 Mission OF2002 -178.29364 -173.96063 26.06088 28.40776 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2002-05-03 2002-07-08 Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2002-08-12 2002-08-22 Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2002-08-28 2002-09-13 Mission AI2002 -178.29399 -173.95927 26.05971 28.42702 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2002-04-23 2002-07-08 Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2002-08-12 2002-08-22 Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2002-08-28 2002-09-13 Mission OF2003 -177.42294 -173.95631 26.05888 28.27849 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2003-05-14 2003-08-29 Mission AI/OF2003 -170.63708 -170.63509 25.44791 25.44875 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2003-05-14 2003-08-29 Mission AI2003 -178.34466 -173.9869383 26.07293333 28.45286 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2003-05-14 2003-08-29 Mission CAS04 -178.36651 -166.22606 23.8677 28.4362 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2004-06-19 2004-10-18 Mission WAL05 -175.9431317 -170.62433 25.44642 27.875405 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2005-08-22 2005-09-10 Mission KUK05 -170.63949 -170.58856 25.43243 25.46698 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2005-08-31 2005-09-19 Mission CAS05 -178.33308 -175.72823 27.76098 28.45294 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2005-06-08 2005-07-06 Mission FRE05 -166.2994 -166.11265 23.64915667 23.87487 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2005-09-19 2005-11-14 Mission OES0609 -178.37245 -175.74745 27.76133 28.45401 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2006-08-10 2006-09-06 Mission OES0709 -175.986688 -175.7250769 27.75658032 27.95949496 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2007-10-11 2007-11-08 Mission OES0706 -178.3695615 -175.7266833 27.76363545 28.45310709 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2007-07-18 2007-08-14 Mission OES0708 -166.2745784 -166.1598293 23.76143234 23.87491434 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2007-09-17 2007-10-03 Mission WAL2008 -170.6420661 -170.5692782 25.43158958 25.44995626 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2008-05-20 2008-06-06 Mission WAL2009 -178.359469 -170.5805764 25.44115182 28.44571391 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2009-06-21 2009-07-12 Mission OES0908, Leg I -178.3723825 -170.5667208 25.4198291 28.45327145 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2009-09-01 2009-09-29 OES0908, Leg II -175.9841641 -166.2579237 23.8662824 27.9266597 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2009-10-06 2009-10-30 Mission OES1103 -178.3682882 -166.2192976 23.86557992 28.45026369 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2011-03-31 2011-04-24 Mission SB1205 -177.4223873 -177.3156932 28.19391022 28.27785322 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2012-05-28 2012-06-23 Mission OES1204 -178.3696862 -175.7560864 27.78148497 28.45414778 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2012-06-24 2012-07-14 Mission SB-13-05 -177.4227887 -177.3177788 28.19319148 28.27737663 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2013-03-28 2013-04-18 Mission SE1407 -177.3584175 -170.5678008 25.42823355 28.27570645 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). | Currentness: Ground Condition 2014-09-25 2014-10-27 Mission MP-15-15 -177.4212896 -177.3228883 28.19371736 28.27721553 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted during the land-based mission at Midway Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) in 2015. | Currentness: Ground Condition 2015-08-17 2015-09-01 Mission SE1805 -175.827015 -175.726265 27.823336 27.951309 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted during the mission in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) in 2018. | Currentness: Ground Condition 2018-09-24 2018-10-03 Mission CH0221 -178.368 -170.576 25.43183 28.44811 Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted during the mission in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) in 2021. | Currentness: Ground Condition 2021-08-29 2021-09-12 The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (PMNM) includes the 1200 nautical mile chain of atolls and islets known as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) that are geographically positioned as a repository for marine debris. Marine debris circulates within the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre until it encounters the atolls of the NWHI. The Ecosystem Sciences Division (ESD) at the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) has conducted both ship- and shore-based missions in the NWHI to survey for and remove derelict fishing gear and many other types of marine debris. Exploratory and opportunistic efforts began in 1996 that eventually evolved into annual cruises deployed up to 4 months at a time with a team of up to 18 personnel. The efforts prior to 1999 were focused on the removal of the marine debris, therefore data collection was inconsistent and not standardized. These marine debris missions have been supported by several agencies over the years, including PMNM, NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP), NOAA Damage Assessment Remediation and Restoration Program (DARRP), and the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP). ESD has removed derelict fishing gear and other marine debris from Pearl and Hermes Atoll (PHR), Midway Atoll (MID), Kure Atoll (KUR), Lisianski Island (LIS), Laysan Island (LAY), Maro Reef (MAR), and French Frigate Shoals (FFS). false eng false Data Table Marine Debris Entities from Underwater Surveys 2024-03-11 publication CSV - Comma Separated Values (Text) NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/contact WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link NCEI Contact Information Information for contacts at NCEI. information distributor https://accession.nodc.noaa.gov/0190879 WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link ESD_MARINE_Debris_1999-2021.csv Data from marine debris surveys and removal efforts in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands from 1999 - 2021. download dataset Accuracy Prior to conducting surveys, researchers are trained to identify debris type and estimate/measure debris size, along with other ecological metrics. Both classroom and field training tests must be completed for all researchers (experienced and inexperienced alike) before each round of surveys begins. This training ensures that all marine debris surveys are conducted consistently by all researchers during a mission and from year to year. Handheld GPS units were used to record the location/coordinate for each debris item. Comparability The primary objective of the efforts in the earlier years (1999 to ~2009) was removal of marine debris, and the survey and data collection was the secondary objective. Therefore, data was not captured as consistently during this time period compared with the more recent surveys. Completeness Report Only shallow water (0 to ~10 meter depth range) habitats are surveyed. The survey sites/islands/atolls were identified and selected as high-density debris accumulation areas by looking at historical debris point data and assessing reef characteristics (depth, benthic habitat type, and energy regime). Previously cleaned backreef and lagoonal reefs were resurveyed for accumulated debris. Marine debris removal has been conducted by the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center's Ecosystem Sciences Division at the atolls, reefs and islands of Northwestern Hawaiian Islands since 1996. Standardized data collection has been implemented since 1999. Two methods are used to survey for marine debris; tow and swim surveys. Tow surveys are typically used in the relatively even-depth (usually less than 10 meters deep), contiguous backreef habitats, while swim surveys are typically used in the comparatively high-relief and patchy lagoonal reef habitats. Survey areas are chosen based on regional reef morphology and past accumulation records. The towed-diver surveys are used in areas of relatively flat bathymetry less than 10 meters in depth (primarily the contiguous backreef habitats that lie just inside the surf on the lagoon-side of the barrier reef of an atoll) as found at Midway Atoll, Kure Atoll and Pearl and Hermes Atoll. In this method, two free-divers are towed behind a small-boat at speeds of 1-2 knots on a towboard (underwater wing) to search for debris and/or derelict fishing gear snagged on the reef. Divers hold their breath, submerge below the surface and conduct a back-and-forth pattern across the reef visually scanning for marine debris. These surveys cover areas that include depths of 0.5-10 m over hard or mixed hard/soft substrate. The boat conducts a “lawn-mowing pattern” back and forth across the reef and records a trackline with the GPS. When calculating area surveyed on GIS, the boat’s trackline is buffered out 7.5 meters on either side to represent the area each diver is able to reasonably visually survey. *Note: Divers measure water visibility at the start and end of each operational day. A minimum visibility measurement of 7.5 m is required to conduct towed-diver surveys. Garriques, Joao D (808)725-5407 joao.garriques@noaa.gov processor The swim survey method was developed as a necessary alternative to towed-diver surveys in lagoonal, reticulated reef areas that were either too shallow, too irregular, or high-relief habitats difficult to survey effectively with the towed-diver survey technique. The method has typically been used in Maro Reef and Pearl and Hermes Atoll. During swim surveys, two or more divers swim across reefs to search for debris while being directed by the personnel in small boats to follow pre-planned routes and are coordinated for maximum visual area covered. Survey areas and routes are chosen based on regional reef morphology and past accumulation records. Garriques, Joao D (808)725-5407 joao.garriques@noaa.gov processor When a diver encounters debris larger than 0.012 cubic meters (size of small toolbox), descriptive data about the debris such as type, color, size, foul level, presence/absence of coral growth on the debris, estimated depth of debris, and substrate composition/color surrounding the debris are recorded. The location of the debris where it was found is also recorded with a GPS. The debris is removed (cut from the reef or pulled out of the sand) when it is determined that it is safe to do so, and that removing the debris won't cause harm to the surrounding corals. Once removed and loaded into the cargo area of the small boat, the volume of removed debris is recorded. Garriques, Joao D (808)725-5407 joao.garriques@noaa.gov processor When a small boat is at its capacity, the boat returns to the parent vessel and the debris load for the boat is weight and recorded. Typically 3 to 4 small boats are used per day for the underwater surveys. Areas surveyed for each boat are derived from GPS tracks. Garriques, Joao D (808)725-5407 joao.garriques@noaa.gov processor In 2013 and 2015, the survey and removal efforts were conducted as a component of the shore-based mission at Midway Atoll. Prior to the surveys in 2013, the backreef areas of the atoll were divided into 35 fixed survey boxes (size of each survey box is approximately 0.25 km2). Because of limited time available, the preexisting survey boxes were randomized, and a subset of the boxes were identified as a first- or second-tier priority for each strata to survey. During a shore-based mission, when a small boat was at its capacity, the boat returned to Sand Island at Midway Atoll to weigh and record its debris load. Garriques, Joao D (808)725-5407 joao.garriques@noaa.gov processor Individual weight of each removed debris can be estimated using WEIGHTLOAD_KG and VOLUME_REMOVED fields of each of the entities. First the VOLUME_REMOVED is summed for each GPS_FILE_DATE, WEIGHTLOAD_KG and LOAD_NUM to derive a total volume of debris removed for a load of a boat for a survey date. Fraction of each volume of debris removed is derived from dividing each VOLUME_REMOVED record by the associated total volume of debris debris removed for the load. Individual weight for each debris can be derived from multiplying the fraction by the WEIGHTLOAD_KG for the load. Garriques, Joao D (808)725-5407 joao.garriques@noaa.gov processor Dameron, O. J., Parke, M., Albins, M. A., & Brainard, R. (2007). Marine debris accumulation in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands: an examination of rates and processes. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 54(4), 423-433. 2007 Donohue, M. J., Boland, R. C., Sramek, C. M., & Antonelis, G. A. (2001). Derelict fishing gear in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands: diving surveys and debris removal in 1999 confirm threat to coral reef ecosystems. Marine pollution bulletin, 42(12), 1301-1312. 2001 Source Contribution: Professional Paper PIFSC. 2013. Restoring coral reefs: removing marine debris in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands 2012. NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, PIFSC Special Publication, SP-13-001, 5 p. https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/797 WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link NOAA Institutional Repository Booklet summarizing marine debris removal and research efforts in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in 2012 by Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center information 2013 Source Contribution: Professional Paper PIFSC. 2014. Marine Debris: removal and assessment at Midway Atoll 2013. NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. PIFSC Special Publication, SP-14-001. 6 p. https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/10398 WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link NOAA Institutional Repository Booklet summarizing marine debris removal and research efforts in Midway Atoll, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in 2013 by Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center information 2014 Source Contribution: Professional Paper PIFSC. 2015. Marine Debris. Removal and Assessment in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands: 2014. NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. PIFSC Special Publication, SP-15-003, 8 p. https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/19832 WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link NOAA Institutional Repository Booklet summarizing marine debris removal and research efforts in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in 2014 by Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center information 2015 Source Contribution: Professional Paper PIFSC. 2016. Marine Debris: Removal and Assessment in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands: 2015. NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, PIFSC Special Publication, SP-16-005, 6 p. https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/12971 WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link NOAA Institutional repository Booklet summarizing marine debris removal and research efforts in Midway Atoll, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in 2015 by Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center information 2016 otherRestrictions otherRestrictions Access Constraints: None | Use Constraints: None