By Volunteer and ODA Advisory Board Member Marjorie Zensen

Another beautiful Hawai'i morning and a merry band of 6 departs from Honokohau Harbor aboard ODA's Big Island-based boat Makau. 

The engine was still at a low rumble when we encountered a huge pod of Hawaiian spinner dolphins! After a brief greeting we quietly continued on our way.  Once out at sea, it was full throttle to make sure the motors were in good working order. Our goal was to intercept the current line and follow it south, looking for debris that's been reported in these areas lately.

With Eagle Eyes Sarah Milisen in the crow’s nest as Master Spotter, Captain John Gallagher efficiently moved in to get as close as possible so the rest of us (Jamie and Bo Pardau, Mark England and me, Marjorie Zensen) could grab up whatever was located. 

Four rogue buoys made it on board along with a huge plastic gas can, plastic bags (!),  a water bottle (they are always tough to grab), ropes, ropes, and more ropes. Anytime you grab debris from a current line the possibility of marine hitchhikers is high, so we became proficient in making sure critters did not come on board! Crabs, barnacles, frogfish and many small fishes were released with each new debris item hauled aboard.

While out on the ocean, we had a lovely visit from a couple of Blainville’s beaked whales! That was a first for a couple of us and we accepted their nod of approval for what we were doing. I love seeing the ocean showcase its residents and was so happy to witness this sighting! None of us were prepared for the surprise sighting, so I’m sorry I don’t have a photo to share. Hopefully, next time!

They look like this:

Eventually we decided to head closer to the coast to jump in the water at Mano Point to see what we could find underwater. It was a bit of a scouting dive as none of us had ever been diving at that location. We’d heard reports of debris and wanted to check it out. Viability was pretty bad, but we continued on for a while to see if we could find anything. After a half hour heading north and offshore, we decided to surface, declaring that particular area clean! 

Ocean Defendesr Crew with Their Catch of the Day!

We felt like it was a pretty successful mission! Debris removed is always a good day!

Please keep our boats at sea where our crew can do what they do best: Remove debris and protect marine wildlife! Thank you!