In May, Megan Lamson, Hawaii Wildlife Fund’s Marine Debris Project coordinator and marine biologist, met up with nature photographer and ocean advocate Junji Takasago to receive a generous crowd-funded donation from 255 donors across Japan. ADVERTISING In May, Megan Lamson,
In May, Megan Lamson, Hawaii Wildlife Fund’s Marine Debris Project coordinator and marine biologist, met up with nature photographer and ocean advocate Junji Takasago to receive a generous crowd-funded donation from 255 donors across Japan.
“This donation will be used to continue our beach cleanups and outreach work related to marine debris on Hawaii Island,” Lamson said. “Since we began our cleanup efforts in Hawaii in 2003, HWF and volunteers have removed over 177 U.S. tons of marine debris.”
Sustained cleanup efforts along the remote southeast Hawaii Island shoreline are of utmost importance to the health of native marine and coastal wildlife. HWF estimates that at least 15-20 tons of marine debris wash ashore annually along this 10-mile shoreline, a direct result of single-use plastic, or SUP, consumption around the globe.
Several years ago, Takasago connected with travel writer Manu Yamashita and professional surfer Angela Maki Vernon from Japan who were collectively aligned in their love for the coastline in Hawaii.
More than a decade after visiting and being inspired by the plight of the albatross on Midway, Takasago was able to connect with others to do something to help protect Hawaii’s beloved coastline and inhabitants.
Takasago, who makes frequent trips to Hawaii in his photography career, is also a director of the nonprofit Ocean Wildlife Society. In addition, he is from Ishinomaki City, a region devastated by the March 2011 tsunami, and is particularly sensitive to the massive tragedy and the global effects of marine debris on coastal and marine wildlife.
On his most recent visit to Hawaii Island, Takasago met up with Lamson to present a monetary gift to HWF. In total, the “Protect the Coast of Hawaii” campaign raised nearly $4,000.
“Our team with Hawaii Wildlife Fund is most honored to accept this generous donation for marine debris removal efforts and communication related to the great east Japan earthquake and resulting Japanese tsunami,” Lamson said.
For more information about HWF’s marine debris removal and prevention efforts, email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, visit WildHawaii.org or call 280-8124.
