Catching Up at Manawai

Maintenance Mode

By Gabriella Echeverry

September 27th, 2022

Our operations these past two weeks have been smooth sailing. Until today.

Yesterday we were able to dive into marine debris removal operations at Manawai (Pearl and Hermes Atoll) but were quickly chased back to the Imua by a large thunderstorm. This morning, we awoke optimistic, wandered outside, only to realize the weather would again confine us to the Imua. A lightening storm on the horizon, waves crashing over the bow of the boat, dark skies overhead.

Despite, being unable to work within the incredible reefs of Manawai, we were able to have an extremely productive day on the Imua. We caught up on overdue small projects, data entry, miscellaneous boat maintenance, and media organization. Some of us were able to learn how to patch the boats, while others learned how to use our mapping systems software (ArcGIS). We spent the day setting ourselves up for success tomorrow. Our bodies also welcomed the reprieve from pulling nets.

When you are out in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, making the “safe” or “conservative” call, is always the right one. So today we rest.

Tomorrow is a new day, full of potential. The nets are waiting and we are ready for them!

Meet the Author

Gabriella Echeverry