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Two large ships with cranes transporting super sacks of derelict fishing gear to shipping containers. Aerial video of HPU's Makapu'u Campus. A pile of fishing net, line, and floats.

WELCOME TO THE CENTER FOR MARINE DEBRIS RESEARCH

BECAUSE PLASTIC POLLUTION EXISTS, WE DO TOO

Island Scene

WHO WE ARE

Established in 2019 as a joint institute between Hawaii Pacific Å·ÃÀAƬ and the  (NIST)’s ’s . CMDR’s work strives toward the highest standards of chemical measurement science and has expanded to support the NIST .

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dfg in water

WHAT WE DO

We investigate the quantities, sources, transport, fate, impacts and reuse of plastic marine debris, from megaplastics down to the molecular level. We then share our new-found knowledge to empower ocean stewardship. The ultimate goal of all CMDR activities is a trash-free ocean!

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THE LATEST NEWS

    Two researchers detangle a large pile of derelict fishing gear at the original net shed.

  • HAWAI'I MEGAPLASTIC POLLUTION RESEARCH CENTER TAKES SHAPE

    • A large mass of derelict fishing gear snagged on coral in Kaneohe Bay.

  • KA PILI KAI HO‘OILO 2023: The Marine Debris Issue

    • Aerial view of a ship loaded with derelict fishing gear.

  • MARINE DEBRIS BOUNTY PROGRAM NETS ENCOURAGING RESULTS

    • View of an asphalt roadway looking over the ocean.

  • DRIVING IN EWA BEACH? YOU MIGHT BE CRUISING ON ASPHALT INFUSED WITH RECYCLED PLASTIC

    • A conglomerate of derelict fishing gear is towed behind a boat in Kaneohe Bay, with the Ko'olau Mountains in the distance.

  • BYTEMARKS CAFE: MARINE DEBRIS REMOVAL

FIND OUT MORE

Two scientists filtering water samples in the CMDR laboratory.

SUPPORT CMDR

Want to help sustain our work studying marine debris? Check out the options below!

Make a Donation

CMDR T-shirt (100% cotton, unisex shirts available in multiple sizes). The material is blue with white text.

PRODUCTS

CMDR offers several scientific-grade polymer reference materials to help harmonize plastic pollution research!



Two CMDR members manning a booth at a public outreach event.

CONTACT

We would love to hear from you!

Connect with us:

cmdr@hpu.edu (808) 236-3588

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