She immediately called the Coast Guard, and they dispatched a rescue team to the location. The Coast Guard arrived and found a 2-year-old boy, who was floating in the ocean, wearing a life jacket but no other flotation devices. The boy was rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment.
The Unlikely Hero: Whitney Di Stefano’s Selfless Act
Whitney Di Stefano’s actions on that fateful Sunday morning have been hailed as a heroic act, one that saved the life of a young child. Her quick thinking and prompt action in calling the Coast Guard have been praised by many, and her selflessness has inspired a community.
The Incident
On November 12th, 2023, Whitney Di Stefano was on a leisurely walk along the Mauna Lani golf course when she noticed something unusual in the ocean.
The Rescue
The rescue operation was swift and efficient, thanks to the quick thinking of Whitney Di Stefano. The Coast Guard team arrived at the scene and quickly assessed the situation.
The Problem: Entanglement of Marine Life in Fishing Nets
The Hawai’i Wildlife Fund received reports of five net bundles found on the beach in various locations across the island of Oahu. These bundles were likely discarded fishing nets, which pose a significant threat to marine life.
The Importance of Marine Debris Cleanups
Marine debris is a growing concern worldwide, with millions of tons of waste entering the world’s oceans every year. This issue affects not only marine life but also human health and the economy. The consequences of marine debris are far-reaching, and addressing it requires a collective effort.
The Impact on Marine Life
Marine debris can have devastating effects on marine life. Entanglement in plastic waste, ingestion of microplastics, and habitat destruction are just a few examples of the harm caused by marine debris. The impact on marine life is not limited to the animals directly affected; it also affects the entire ecosystem. Entanglement: Marine debris, such as six-pack rings and fishing nets, can entangle and kill marine animals, including sea turtles, whales, and fish. Ingestion: Microplastics and other small debris can be ingested by marine animals, causing physical harm and potentially leading to the transfer of toxins into the food chain.
The Division of Aquatic Resources’ Marine Debris Hotline and contracts also cover derelict fishing gear such as buoys, markers, and other abandoned fishing gear.
The Problem of Marine Debris
Marine debris is a growing concern for the health of our oceans. It includes a wide range of items, from plastic bags and bottles to abandoned fishing gear and other human-made waste. This debris can have devastating effects on marine life, from entanglement and suffocation to ingestion and habitat destruction. Some of the most common types of marine debris include: + Plastic bags and bottles + Fishing nets and lines + Abandoned buoys and markers + Discarded trash and debris + Microplastics
The Impact of Marine Debris
The impact of marine debris on marine life is far-reaching and devastating. Some of the effects include:
The Impact of the Alliance’s Efforts
The alliance’s efforts have made a significant impact on the local environment. The collection of miscellaneous debris, fishing line, and lead weights has helped to reduce the amount of pollution in the waterways. The removal of these items has also helped to protect marine life, including fish, birds, and other species that can become entangled or injured by these items. The collection of tires has also had a positive impact on the environment. Tires can take hundreds of years to decompose and can harm wildlife if they are not disposed of properly. By collecting and recycling tires, the alliance has helped to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and waterways.
The Alliance’s Monthly Cleanups
The alliance averages three cleanups a month, which is a significant commitment to keeping the local environment clean. The cleanups are typically held on weekends and are open to the public. Volunteers are encouraged to participate and help make a difference. The cleanups are usually held at different locations around the area, including parks, beaches, and waterways. The alliance works with local authorities to ensure that the cleanups are safe and effective.
The cleanup efforts are part of a larger initiative to restore the river and its surrounding environment.
The River Cleanup Efforts
The river cleanup efforts are a crucial part of the larger initiative to restore the river and its surrounding environment. The initiative aims to improve the overall health and quality of the river, as well as the surrounding ecosystem.
The Importance of River Cleanup Efforts
The Challenges of River Cleanup Efforts
Marine Debris Removal Efforts
The marine debris removal efforts in the Great Lakes region have been ongoing for several years, with a focus on addressing the growing problem of marine debris. The Great Lakes are one of the most polluted bodies of water in the world, and marine debris is a significant contributor to this pollution.
Key Statistics
The Problem of Marine Debris
Marine debris is a major problem in the Great Lakes region, with a wide range of impacts on the environment and human health.
Hawaii’s beaches and marine ecosystems are threatened by the growing problem of marine debris.
The nonprofit, called the Ocean Conservancy, is a national organization with a local presence in Hawaii. The Ocean Conservancy is a leading voice in the fight against marine debris, and has been working to reduce marine debris in Hawaii for over 20 years.
The Problem of Marine Debris in Hawaii
Marine debris is a growing concern in Hawaii, with the state’s beautiful beaches and marine ecosystems facing threats from discarded trash and abandoned fishing gear.
The hotline is monitored by volunteer staff members who are trained in crisis intervention and counseling techniques. The hotline is available 24/7, and the staff are prepared to handle a wide range of crisis situations. This is not a crisis hotline for mental health issues, but rather a suicide prevention hotline.
