Kiera Jefferson
Hawaii's rich biodiversity is being threatened by plastic pollution, which is causing severe damage to its once-pristine beaches and marine ecosystems. The state's unique culture, which revolves around the ocean, is now under threat from the very industry that sustains it—tourism. The islands' appeal as a tropical paradise has led to unsustainable tourism, with the influx of visitors generating tons of trash, particularly single-use plastics, that is polluting the ocean and harming marine life. The impact of this pollution on the environment and native Hawaiian culture is devastating, and it is imperative that steps are taken to address this growing crisis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic pollution | 15-20 tons of plastic trash wash up on Hawaiian shores every year |
| Marine debris | Discarded commercial fishing nets, plastic bags, plastic bottles, plastic waste |
| Pollution from tourism | 1.4 million people live on the Hawaiian Islands, contributing to waste |
| Unsustainable fishing practices | Ancient Hawaiians used nets and fishing techniques that may have contributed to modern pollution |
| Industrial waste | Chemical waste and toxins are discharged into the ocean |
| Sewage pollution | 88,000 cesspools release 53 million gallons of raw sewage into Hawaiian waterways daily |
| Land-based pollution | Stormwater and sediment from flash floods carry waste into the ocean |
| Invasive species | Alien species such as cane toads, mongoose, coquí frogs, and ants damage the environment |
| Climate change | Sea level rise will result in more frequent flooding |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic pollution from fishing nets and consumer products
Plastic pollution is a critical issue in Hawaii, with the islands' proximity to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and the plastic consumption habits of tourists contributing to the problem. The Hawaiian lifestyle has always been closely tied to the ocean, with fishing and seafood consumption being a significant part of the local culture. However, plastic pollution, particularly from fishing nets and consumer products, is now threatening the natural ecosystem and wildlife of the islands.
Fishing nets, both abandoned and still in use, are a major source of plastic pollution in Hawaii's oceans. These so-called "ghost nets" can entangle marine animals, preventing them from feeding or moving, and often leading to strangulation, physical trauma, and infections. A significant number of vulnerable species, such as the Hawaiian monk seal and the hawksbill turtle, are being driven towards endangerment and extinction due to plastic pollution. The presence of these nets in the ocean can be lethal, with nearly 100,000 animals dying from entanglement each year.
In addition to the direct harm caused by entanglement, marine animals often mistake plastic debris for food and ingest it. Plastics fill their stomachs, causing starvation, and the accumulation of toxic contaminants in the food web, which eventually reach humans. A 2019 study found that fish in Hawaiian waters consume plastic particles just days after being born, and as reef fish are a large part of the local diet, this has led to an unintentional increase in plastic consumption among Hawaiians. While the direct impacts of plastic consumption on human health are not yet fully understood, early studies suggest adverse effects on prenatal developments and reproductive systems.
The unique current systems around Hawaii, such as the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, contribute to the accumulation of marine debris in the region. Oceanic currents and winds transport plastic debris to the coasts or other parts of the ocean. The plastics can further break down into smaller pieces due to factors like sunlight exposure and waves, making it easier for smaller species to mistake them for food and consume them. Larger species then consume these smaller species, allowing plastic to move up the food chain and eventually reach humans.
The impact of plastic pollution from fishing nets and consumer products extends beyond the direct harm caused to marine life and humans. It also threatens the biodiversity of Hawaii's coral reefs, which are central to the local culture and traditions. Sewage pollution, largely due to the use of cesspools, contributes to high nutrient, bacterial, and pathogen levels in the marine environment, posing serious health hazards to both people and reefs. The coral reefs, which are home to a high concentration of endemic marine species, are already struggling due to sewage pollution and the impacts of climate change.
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Industrial waste and sewage pollution
Marine debris and plastic pollution are significant environmental issues in Hawaii, with plastic pollution being one of the largest concerns affecting marine life. The Hawaiian culture has always revolved around the ocean, with fishing and surfing being integral to their way of life. However, with the increasing problem of plastic pollution, their way of life is now under threat.
Hawaii's unique location within the North Pacific Gyre, specifically its proximity to the Great Garbage Patch, makes it particularly vulnerable to plastic pollution. This massive collection of marine plastic debris, also known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, is estimated to be approximately 1.6 million square kilometres in size and contains about three million tonnes of plastic. The plastic waste in this gyre is circulated by rotating ocean currents known as gyres, which act like giant whirlpools, drawing plastic waste towards the centre. As a result, plastic debris from across the globe accumulates in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and eventually washes ashore in Hawaii.
The plastic pollution in Hawaii is exacerbated by the use of single-use plastics and the improper disposal of plastic waste. The average American discards approximately 185 pounds of plastic material every year, and waste disposal companies dump hundreds of thousands of pounds of plastic into the ocean annually. Additionally, Hawaii's waste-to-energy facilities, which aim to reduce landfill waste, contribute to air pollution and increase health risks by burning plastic waste.
While plastic pollution is a significant issue, it is essential to acknowledge that other forms of industrial waste and sewage pollution also contribute to the degradation of Hawaii's ocean environment. Sewage systems in Hawaii are a significant source of pollution, with about 88,000 cesspools still in use across the state. These cesspools are pits that collect and contain sewage, but they typically do not actively treat wastewater. As a result, they discharge untreated sewage into the environment, contaminating drinking water sources and polluting the marine environment. The Hawaiian government has recognized the urgency of this issue, passing a law in 2017 requiring the elimination of all cesspools.
The impact of industrial waste and sewage pollution on Hawaii's oceans is severe, leading to outbreaks of diseases and tumors in marine life, including the endangered Honu (green sea turtle). The influx of nutrients from sewage pollution also contributes to coral reef decline, with overfishing and algae overgrowth threatening the health of these vital ecosystems. Conservation groups and organizations like the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration have been actively working to address these issues, but the challenges remain significant.
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Unsustainable tourism
Hawaii's natural beauty and unique culture have long attracted tourists to its shores, but the impacts of this tourism have been far from positive. Unsustainable tourism practices have contributed significantly to the environmental and social issues faced by the Hawaiian Islands, with native Hawaiians bearing the brunt of the negative consequences.
The sheer number of tourists visiting Hawaii each year has placed immense pressure on the islands' natural resources, particularly water. Tourism is a major driver of Hawaii's economy, generating over $14 billion yearly, but this success comes at a cost. The high demand for water-intensive activities such as swimming, surfing, and other water sports has led to the over-exploitation of freshwater sources, contributing to the ongoing water crisis in the state. Hotels, restaurants, and recreational activities further exacerbate the issue, with their high water usage polluting and contaminating natural water bodies.
The construction of tourism infrastructure has also taken a toll on Hawaii's environment. The building of hotels, resorts, and other tourist facilities has led to the destruction of natural habitats and the displacement of native species, many of which are already endangered. This environmental degradation not only harms the rich biodiversity of the islands but also the native residents, who rely on a healthy ecosystem for their livelihoods and cultural practices.
Additionally, unsustainable tourism practices have contributed to the pollution that plagues Hawaii's oceans and beaches. Marine debris, including plastic pollution, has become a significant concern, with tons of trash piling up on Hawaiian beaches each year. This pollution comes from both land-based sources, such as littering by beach-goers, and ocean-based sources, such as fishing gear and waste dumped by boats and vessels. The presence of plastic is particularly harmful, as it can be mistaken for food by marine animals, leading to internal blockages and even death.
The social impacts of unsustainable tourism in Hawaii cannot be overlooked. Native Hawaiians, who were already an oppressed people, have struggled with the negative consequences of a tourism industry driven by greed and self-preservation. They face limited economic opportunities, with many being forced to work in low-paying jobs in the tourism sector or choosing between unemployment and criminal activity. The high cost of living and unaffordable housing in the state, driven in part by tourism, have further displaced and intruded on the native population.
Furthermore, the dominance of transnational corporations and foreign investment in the tourism industry has meant that the economic benefits of tourism largely bypass the native Hawaiians, who remain the poorest, sickest, and least educated group in the state. The tourism industry has also led to the desecration of sacred sites and the disruption of traditional ways of life, further marginalizing the native population.
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Urbanization and invasive species
The construction of resorts and other tourist attractions often involves land reclamation and coastal development, altering natural habitats and disrupting the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Additionally, the influx of tourists leads to a surge in consumer waste, with single-use plastics and other non-biodegradable materials ending up in landfills or, even worse, in the ocean. The combination of urbanization and increased waste generation intensifies the pollution of Hawaii's oceans, threatening the very attractions that draw people to the islands.
Invasive species are another critical factor in ocean pollution in Hawaii. The introduction of non-native plants and animals, either intentionally or accidentally, has disrupted the delicate balance of the islands' ecosystems. Alien species such as cane toads, mongoose, coquí frogs, and various types of flies and ants have damaged crops, preyed on native species, and altered natural food chains. The impact of invasive species on Hawaii's marine environments is particularly concerning.
Invasive algae, for example, have smothered and killed coral reefs, altered the biodiversity of bays, and reduced the overall health of marine ecosystems. Species such as Gracilaria salicornia (gorilla ogo) and Kappaphycus/Eucheuma spp. (smothering seaweed) were introduced to Kāne'ohe Bay for aquaculture but quickly spread out of control. These invasive algae form thick, tangled mats that suffocate coral reefs, destroy habitats for native fish, and hinder the growth of new corals. The invasion of these algae has degraded the once-thriving coral reefs, further exacerbating the pollution problem in Hawaii's oceans.
To combat the issue of invasive algae, the State of Hawai'i's Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the University of Hawai'i (UH), initiated a dual-phased restoration project. This project involved the removal of invasive algae using innovative technology like the Super Sucker barge and the restoration of native sea urchin populations that feed on the algae, preventing their regrowth. While these efforts have shown success, the ongoing challenge of invasive species in Hawaii underscores the need for continued conservation measures and sustainable practices to protect the state's fragile marine environments.
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Climate change and sea level rise
Climate change and rising sea levels are severely impacting Hawaii, threatening the state's beaches, homes, and critical infrastructure. Since 1970, the sea level in Hawaii has risen by 5 inches, with certain areas experiencing more dramatic increases, such as the 10-inch rise around Hilo Bay since 1950. This rise in sea level is primarily driven by two key factors: melting ice sheets and glaciers, and thermal expansion, with water taking up more space as it warms.
The effects of rising sea levels are already being felt in Hawaii, with the disappearance of dry beaches and the chronic flooding of coastal areas. This has severe implications for traditional and cultural practices, including fishpond maintenance, salt cultivation, and gathering from nearshore fisheries. The mental and spiritual health of the local population is also negatively impacted by these changes. Additionally, rising sea levels worsen the impact of coastal erosion, causing the collapse of cesspools built near the shoreline. This results in the release of untreated sewage into Hawaii's waterways, further polluting the ocean and threatening the health of both the local communities and marine ecosystems.
According to projections, Hawaii can expect a sea level rise of 8 inches by 2050 and 3.5 feet by 2100. In a worst-case scenario, the state could experience up to 8 feet of sea level rise by the end of the century. This would exacerbate the issues of high tide flooding and coastal erosion, causing more frequent and severe flooding events. While sea level rise cannot be entirely prevented due to historical emissions, Hawaii is committed to taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts. Efforts include transitioning to renewable energy and electric vehicles, expanding transit options, and improving energy efficiency.
The state of Hawaii is actively addressing climate change adaptation and has developed the Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Report to assess the state's vulnerability to rising sea levels. This report utilizes an interactive mapping viewer to visualize the potential impacts of sea level rise on the state. Additionally, conservation groups and organizations like the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration have been working for over a decade to address pollution and waste issues in Hawaii, recognizing the urgency of the situation.
In conclusion, climate change and rising sea levels pose significant threats to Hawaii, impacting both the environment and local communities. The loss of beaches, homes, and infrastructure, along with the disruption of cultural practices, underscores the urgency of addressing these issues. While mitigation efforts are underway, the projected sea level rise in the coming decades highlights the need for continued commitment to reducing emissions and adapting to the changing environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic pollution is the primary cause of ocean pollution in Hawaii.
Marine animals such as birds, sea turtles, and whales mistake plastics for food, causing blockages in their guts and leading to serious injuries or even death. Plastic pollution also introduces high levels of heavy metals and PCBs into the food chain.
Hawaii's location within the North Pacific Gyre, specifically the North Pacific Subtropical Convergence Zone, makes it a high-impact target for marine debris due to natural ocean currents.
Tourism is a significant contributor to ocean pollution in Hawaii. The industry has exploited Hawaiian culture to attract visitors with little regard for the environment or native population. The influx of tourists has led to increased waste, with an estimated 15-20 tons of trash, mostly plastic, washing up on Hawaiian shores each year.
Hawaii can reduce ocean pollution by transitioning to a more sustainable and circular economy, promoting eco-tourism, and improving waste management practices, such as recycling and reusing materials.
