Currents in the Pacific Ocean have brought derelict fishing nets and gear to the waters around the Hawaiian islands. These nets are a safety hazard to ships and cause extensive damage to the ecosystem by snagging on coral reefs, entangling wildlife, and polluting shorelines. Instead of adding these nets to already congested landfills, Hawaii’s multi-partner marine debris group came up with a unique program to downcycle this marine debris into usable electricity.
Students loved the real-world and creative example of the ways people can work to improve our world.