- Surfrider Kauaʻi conducted 123 cleanups in 2023, removing nearly 50,000 pounds of trash.
- The national report inaccurately listed only two cleanups for Kauaʻi.
- Kauaʻi’s focus on marine debris, especially fishing nets, distinguishes their efforts.
Surfrider Kauaʻi chapter, led by Barbara Wiedner, reported a significant discrepancy in the national Surfrider Foundation’s 2023 cleanup data.
While the national report listed only two cleanups for Kauaʻi, Wiedner confirmed the chapter held 123 events, removing 49,788 pounds of trash. This included 20 beach cleanups and 103 net patrols, targeting large fishing nets from commercial operations.
Kauaʻi Chapter’s Marine Debris Efforts Overlooked in Surfrider’s National Report
Wiedner suggested that the unique focus on marine debris, particularly nets from the North Pacific Gyre, might explain the oversight. Despite this, Surfrider Kauaʻi remains committed to addressing the island’s marine pollution challenges. The chapter has consistently managed large volumes of marine debris, peaking at 120,000 pounds in 2017, and continues to play a crucial role in local environmental conservation.
Barbara Wiedner, co-coordinator of Surfrider Kauaʻi, provided evidence of the local chapter’s activities, highlighting their specialized focus on marine debris. The national report, which indicated a total of 985 cleanups and 225,270 pounds of trash collected nationwide, seemed to overlook Kauaʻi’s significant contributions. This discrepancy points to a potential gap in how specialized efforts are recorded and acknowledged.
Surfrider Kauaʻi’s work is crucial due to the island’s exposure to marine debris from the North Pacific Gyre, including the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The chapter has dealt with massive quantities of fishing nets, some weighing over 1,000 pounds, which pose a severe threat to marine life. Despite a decrease in the total amount of debris collected since a peak in 2017, the chapter remains dedicated to its mission.
The national Surfrider Foundation has not yet provided an explanation for the omission of Kauaʻi’s detailed data. However, their Healthy Beaches Program Manager, Jennifer Harrah, acknowledged the Kauaʻi chapter’s efforts and directed inquiries to local leaders. Surfrider Kauaʻi’s continuous and targeted cleanups underline the importance of recognizing and accurately reporting specialized environmental work.
Surfrider Kauaʻi’s significant and targeted efforts to combat marine debris highlight the need for accurate data representation in national reports. Despite discrepancies, the chapter remains steadfast in its mission to protect Kauaʻi’s beaches.
“We’re really over here, kind of doing our own thing because we do so much,” said Barbara Wiedner, co-coordinator for beach cleanup and net patrol for Surfrider Kauaʻi.
