Friends of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary, Melekeok Conservation Network, and the Kayangel Community partnered up to celebrate World Oceans Day by doing a coastal cleanup in Kayangel, an atoll North of Palau. Huge amounts of marine debris wash up its shore every day, with no knowledge as to where the trash is coming from, thus overwhelming the community to mitigate this problem.
We honored this year’s theme: Tides are changing and Palau’s commitment to protect 30% of our lands, waters, and ocean by 2030, also known as “30×30”, by removing the trash that has built up along the coastline and helping clear the habitats for vulnerable marine species. There were two things we were short of for this clean up: time, as we needed to get back to Koror and space- collection ended early as there was no more space for trash bags on the two 38-footer boats that transported us.
In total, a whopping 334 kg (735 lbs.) of trash was collected in Kayangel! Most of what was collected were old rope, toothbrushes, slippers, and bottles (plastic & glass). With our efforts this year, we hope to continue engaging in meaningful conversations about ocean conservation action, and we can collectively work towards a healthier and more sustainable future.
On behalf of our committee, we would like to thank the following supporters:
- Delegate Noah Kemesong
- Melekeok Conservation Network
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Environment
- Governor Richard Ngiraked
- Speaker Edwin Chiokai
- US Marine Corps Detachment in Peleliu
- JFK Elementary School and the Kayangel Community
- Koror State Government Solid Waste Management Team