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PROJECT SUMMARY

Applicant Organization: Pacific Whale Foundation

Project Title: Informing, educating and involving the public in marine debris awareness and

policy: implementation of tobacco free beaches and parks legislation

Principle Investigators:

Jens Currie, M.Sc., Senior Research Analyst Greg Kaufman, Chief Scientist and

300 Ma’alaea Road, Suite 211 Founder of the Pacific Whale Foundation

Wailuku, HI 96793 greg@pacificwhale.org

Office: 808-856-8338 Cell: 808.283.7704

Cell: 808.990.5544

jenscurrie@pacificwhale.org

Project Description:

In April 2014, Maui County passed a tobacco free beaches and parks bill that prohibits the use of

tobacco products, including cigarette smoking, in designated County areas. Environmental

organizations, including Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF), supported the bill as a way to reduce

the amount of cigarette butt litter in the environment, particularly along Maui’s coastlines. More

recently, the state of Hawai‘i passed a similar policy that pertains to State beaches and parks.

Cigarette butts represent the most common type of litter, and a number of coastal municipalities

have passed similar bills to decrease cigarette butt litter.

PWF recently completed a study that found that the passing of a tobacco free beaches bill had

little immediate impact on the amount of tobacco related products found on beaches before and

after the bill was passed. This was in contrast to the ban on plastic grocery bags implemented in

2011, which has had significant impacts, as no plastic bags were recorded in this study.

Implementation of the tobacco free beaches bill relies on the consumer and local enforcement

and is therefore more difficult to implement.

While it may take longer for the bill to achieve its desired results, PWF proposes to implement a

holistic, public awareness campaign from August 2016 to August 2017 that combines legislation

implementation with public outreach and engagement.

Each year PWF hosts the Maui Whale Festival and 36 years these activities have benefitted Maui

County residents, youth, businesses, and visitors in a multitude of ways. This festival has brought

the community together, including the private sector, heightened our tourism activity as an

annual destination, served as an economic engine for the local economy, and spread the message

of protecting the environment and the natural beauty of Maui to all corners of the world. PWF

will utilize the Maui Whale Festival and regular eco-tour operations to educate the public on

marine debris issues and tobacco free parks and beaches legislation. PWF generates needed

proceeds through educational whale watches and ocean eco-tours which help to fund our

research, education and conservation programs. However, these funds alone are not sufficient

for implementation of new marine debris and tobacco awareness campaign.

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Geographic Scope: Maui, Hawaii

Outcomes and Timeline:

PWF hopes to change public attitude and effect behaviors to reduce marine debris, specifically,

the number of cigarette butts on Maui beaches by utilizing PWF’s ability to interact with the

public through various outreach and educational activities.

August 2016- October 2016

Development of a Marketing Strategy- collateral materials to be distributed to hotels,

visitor industry organizations, public notice boards, concierge stations, airport, radio,

newspaper and PSAs and other areas frequented by visitors and the community.

Strengthening and further development of strategic partnerships for collaboration with

these activities and convene meetings to discuss awareness campaign. Confirmed partners

include: (1) Coalition for a Tobacco Free Hawaii, (2) Maui Hotel and Lodging

Associations, (3) Hui Malama Learning Center, (4) Kamehameha Schools.

Invitations will be sent to industry representatives, including the four groups named above

and boaters, fishing industry, watershed groups, youth groups, American Cancer Society,

state and local agencies, and our local university to participate in World Whale Day 2017.

November 2016 – February 2017

Questionnaires will be collected at World Whale Day 2017, additional activities during the

Maui Whale season, and SurveyMonkey to assess and receive feedback from the public

about their understanding of tobacco free beaches legislation.

During whale season naturalist outreach stations are hosted by PWF and located throughout

the southern Maui coastline. These stations frequently reach between 400-600 persons per

station per day.

Attendance at community tabling events

August 2016 – August 2017

Circulate surveys every 2 months to public though project partners and PWF members to

assess change in publics knowledge of marine debris and tobacco free beaches and parks

legislation throughout the proposed public awareness campaign.

Information will be provided to youth (K-12) through our education programs such as the

Keiki Whale Watches and Ocean Camp. (Approximately 1900 participants from Maui

schools annually.)

Our Volunteering on Vacation program can further support our efforts through beach

clean-ups.

Work with current partners in developing opportunities relay conservation messages to the

public.

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PROJECT NARRATIVE

1.0 DESCRIPTION

The overall goal of this project is to raise awareness and provide educational materials on the

issues surrounding marine debris with a focus on tobacco products. To achieve this, Pacific

Whale Foundation (PWF) will use its public platforms to implement a robust public outreach

strategy. These methods include presentation and distribution of educational materials: (1) at

three strategically placed naturalist information stations; (2) on all eco-tour cruises; (3) all keiki

whale watches and ocean camps; (4) at community tabling events; (5) PWF’s annual whale

festival including world whale day.

Marine debris is a serious concern for coastal communities across the world. Not only does

marine debris pose considerable threat to marine life, biodiversity, and ecosystems, but

additionally impacts human health, safety, and local and national economies. (Sheavly and

Register, 2007; Gregory, 2009; Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD),

2012). Marine debris can further translate into loss of tourism revenue and recreation value, as

well as affect coastal industries such as shipping and commercial fishing (Sheavly and Register,

2007; SCBD, 2012). Overall, plastics, which include cigarette butts, are considered the most

common type of marine debris, with recent studies estimating the amount of plastic currently in

the ocean at 5.25 trillion particles (Eriksen et al., 2014). Buoyant, lightweight, and slow to

degrade, plastics have the ability to travel thousands of miles on ocean currents and can be

deposited even on remote, uninhabited shorelines (Slip and Burton, 1991; Barnes, 2002;

Morishige et al., 2007).

Cigarette butts constitute a large portion of plastic waste, with an estimated 4.5 trillion butts

discarded per year globally (Mackay et al., 2006; Hamady et al., 2013). Discarded cigarette butts

leach chemicals, including arsenic, nicotine, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy

metals, into nearby environments. These chemicals collectively referred to as leachates can be

toxic to organisms residing within the immediate habitat (Slaughter et al., 2011).

In addition to driving ocean-based tourism and the economy, Maui's nearshore habitat

contains extensive coral reef systems that are home to various species of marine life including

the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, the threatened Hawaiian green sea turtle, and endangered

breeding and mating humpback whales. The reduction of debris, including cigarette butts, from

these areas is crucial for the well-being of the surrounding ecosystems, and the following

benefits and positive environmental consequences can be expected:

Healthier coastal and marine ecosystems.

A reduction in coastal and ocean debris.

Enhanced understanding of conservation measures/policies intended to protect living

marine resources.

Beautification of beaches.

Improved economies derived from tourism, recreation, and fishing.

Safer beach conditions for human users.

Improved education and outreach about less understood marine debris issues.

Implementation of the tobacco free beaches and parks policy relies heavily on local

enforcement along with a shift in well-established social norms. Pacific Whale Foundation

proposes to utilize an innovative holistic education and outreach approach to effectively

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implement the new policy encouraging behavioral change. This approach will combine

legislation implementation through public outreach and education as well as industry

engagement through enhanced understanding of marine debris and human behavior. These

activities include:

a) Outreach Stations: PWF will incorporate material on marine debris and legislation

awareness campaign at three naturalist outreach stations located along Maui’s coast:

Papawai Point and Wailea Beach (December to April) and Ulua Beach Park (year-round).

Naturalists manning the stations will teach the public about issues surrounding marine

debris and provide education outreach materials relating to this campaign.

b) Educational Eco-Tours: PWF will display and share information on marine debris issues

and legislation carrying out the proposed awareness campaign on all eco-tour vessels

departing daily from Lahaina and Ma’alaea Harbors.

c) PWF Ocean Stores: PWF will display educational information on proposed marine debris

and legislation awareness campaign at ocean stores in Ma’alaea and Lahaina.

d) Keiki Whale Watches: PWF will incorporate proposed marine debris and legislation

awareness campaign into its “keiki” whale watches and ocean camps.

e) Project Partners: PWF will work with project partners to develop awareness campaigns

that align with the partnering organization’s members and activities.

f) Printed Materials - Brochures, Factsheets, and Signs: PWF will design and develop

informational materials in multiple languages to be shared with the general public year-

round, as well as during the Maui Whale Festival, to effectively share the proposed marine

debris and legislation awareness campaign.

g) Social Media and Email: PWF will use its social media accounts and members listserv to

share and encourage informational exchange and interactions with its followers/members

on the proposed public awareness campaign.

h) Displays and Exhibits: PWF will develop exhibits, posters, and informational displays to

distribute to project partners and during key events at the Maui Whale Festival.

i) Public Service Announcements (PSAs): To target visitors to Maui beyond PWF guests,

short messages, audio and/or video will be shared with local media that relay the proposed

marine debris and legislation awareness campaign.

j) Curriculum Development (Ocean Camp): PWF will develop new curriculum for their

ocean camp program, which will raise awareness on issues surrounding marine debris and

proposed campaign.

k) Debris Removal Activities: PWF will incorporate monthly naturalist-led beach clean-ups

into its current citizen scientist Volunteer-On-Vacation program to include an educational

and outreach focus around the proposed awareness campaign. Volunteers will be given a

presentation before each clean up detailing information on the proposed marine debris and

legislation awareness campaign.

l) Press Releases: PWF will write press releases to help expand audience reach and share the

proposed marine debris and legislation awareness message.

2.0 ISSUE AND AREA OF CONCERN

In April 2014, Maui County passed a tobacco free beaches and parks bill (Maui County,

Ordinance 4120, Bill 24, 2014) that prohibits the use of tobacco products, including cigarette

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smoking, in designated County areas. Environmental organizations, including PWF, supported

the bill as a way to reduce the amount of cigarette butt litter in the environment, particularly

along Maui’s coastlines. More recently, the state of Hawai‘i passed a similar policy that pertains

to State beaches and parks. Cigarette butts represent the most common type of litter, and a

number of coastal municipalities have passed similar bills to decrease cigarette butt litter.

In a recent study, however, PWF found that the passing of a “tobacco free beaches” bill had

little immediate impact on the amount of tobacco-related products found on Maui’s beaches,

both before and after the bill was passed (Blickley et al., 2016). This was in contrast to the ban

on plastic grocery bags implemented in 2011, which has had significant impacts as no plastic

bags were recorded in this study. Implementation of the “tobacco free beaches” bill will rely on

informing and educating the public on the harm cigarette butts pose to the marine environment

which, in conjunction with law enforcement, should see a reduction in cigarette butts.

A number of the collected debris items (cigarette butts, straws, and fishing line) have local

origins and contribute significantly to local debris loads. A reduction in the debris loads of these

items requires the implementation of local, community-based mitigation strategies that serve to

remove debris, increase public awareness, involve local businesses, improve public education,

and guide future policies.

3.0 TARGET AUDIENCE

Effectively carrying out the proposed educational message will require an all-encompassing

approach engaging all age groups of the public and various sectors of the industry. Pacific Whale

Foundation is uniquely situated to carry out the proposed message utilizing its current programs

and activities. The proposed campaign will effectively reach the following target audiences:

a) Tourists and Residents: PWF’s marine naturalists are stationed at three locations along

Maui’s coasts designed to engage the public. Naturalists answer any questions on marine

life, local geography, and natural history as well as provide reference materials for

additional reading. Incorporation of the proposed marine debris and legislation awareness

campaign into each station has the potential to reach approximately 146,000 people/year.

PWF operates up to nine eco-tour vessels daily out of Lahaina and Ma’alaea

Harbors. Tours are based on more than three decades of marine research and ecotourism

experience and each vessel has a university educated marine naturalist onboard.

Incorporation of the proposed marine debris and legislation awareness campaign into the

educational material aboard PWF Eco-Adventure vessels has the potential to reach

approximately 250,000 people/year.

Each year PWF hosts the Maui Whale Festival, and for 36 years these activities

have benefitted Maui County residents, youth, businesses, and visitors in a multitude of

ways. The festival is designed to bring the community together, including the private

sector, heighten our tourism activity as an annual destination, serve as an economic

engine for the local economy, and spread the message of protecting the environment and

the natural beauty of Maui. Incorporation of the proposed marine debris and legislation

awareness campaign to Maui’s 2017 Whale Festival has the potential to reach

approximately 18,000 people.

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PWF’s partnership with the Maui Hotel and Lodging association will be used to

disseminate materials from the proposed public awareness campaign to its membership

database containing approximately 20,000 individuals/associations.

PWF has recently partnered with Oceanic Time Warner cable and they have

requested 5 public service announcements (PSAs) to be broadcast on their stations. One

such PSA will contain the proposed public awareness campaign to be distributed to all

their viewers. Please note, this partnership is still being negotiated, as such, this

deliverable is likely but cannot be guaranteed.

PWF will also ensure appropriate community tabling events are attended to

further carry out the message and engage local members of the public.

b) K-12 Students: PWF hosts keiki whale watches and ocean camps designed to educate

students by providing learning based fieldtrips for Maui’s schools. Incorporation of the

proposed marine debris and legislation awareness campaign into curriculum could reach

approximately 1900 students/year.

c) PWF Members: PWF’s Facebook page has approximately 265,000 followers, and is

utilized as a platform for sharing relevant information about PWF’s mission to audiences

throughout the world. This page will be used to share the proposed marine debris and

legislation awareness message with its followers.

PWF has a listserv of approximately 83,000 individuals from all over the world

who have opted to receive regular updates from the foundation. PWF will use this

resource to share the proposed marine debris and legislation awareness campaign.

d) Project Partners: Coalition for a Tobacco Free Hawaii – will work with youth and the

local community to share the proposed marine debris and legislation awareness

campaign. Maui Hotel and Lodging Association – will share the proposed marine debris

and legislation awareness campaign with its membership database, which includes local

hotels and accommodations. Maui Hui Malama Learning Center and Kamehameha

Schools – will host classes to educate youth on the proposed marine debris and legislation

awareness campaign.

4.0 OBJECTIVES AND GOALS

Long Term Objectives and Goals

Educate the public on issues relating to marine debris and the tobacco free beaches and parks

bill. To effectively implement change, the public must first understand the need for a reduction

in marine debris through education of threats and issues. Through optimization of existing

programs, PWF will be able to develop a large scale outreach program directed at tourists and

residents utilizing Maui’s ocean resources. Removal of cigarette butts from Maui’s parks and

beaches is supported through regulations and policy, which in conjunction with the proposed

outreach campaign has the potential to affect change.

Reduce the amount of marine debris and cigarette butts on Maui’s coasts. The majority of marine

debris campaigns focus on “end-of-pipe” solutions, which often fail to address the underlying

cause. Through the proposed education and public awareness campaign, PWF hopes to change

the public’s perception on items that can become marine debris and promote implementation of

preventative practices.

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Short Term Objectives and Goals

Provide the public with access to information on current marine debris issues and the newly

implemented “tobacco free beaches and parks” bill. This will be done through development of

educational materials which are to be distributed to hotels, visitor industry organizations, public

notice boards, and concierge stations.

Assess the public’s understanding of marine debris threat and knowledge of the “tobacco free

beaches and parks” bill by issuing of questionnaire.

Expand citizen scientist led beach clean-up efforts through promotion of PWF’s Volunteer On

Vacation program raise awareness of marine debris and tobacco free beaches and parks

regulations.

5.0 OUTCOME MEASURES

Project outcome will be measured utilizing two methods:

(i) Questionnaire

A questionnaire will be administered during Maui Whale Festival events including World

Whale Day in February 2016 designed to assess the public’s understanding of marine

debris, particularly the tobacco free beaches and parks bill, regardless of if this proposal is

approved. If approved, the same questionnaire will be re-administered during world whale

day in February 2017 and results will be compared to the 2016 survey. To encourage public

participation, individuals who complete the survey will be entered to win a free

whalewatch with PWF Eco-Adventures. The questionnaire will be designed using only

closed-ended questions to allow for objective evaluation of participants’ responses before

and after the public awareness campaign. In addition to sharing a hard copy at Maui Whale

Festival events, an electronic survey will be generated using SurveyMonkey and shared

with PWF members following the same timeline mentioned previously. A copy of the

questionnaire has been submitted with the supplementary information.

(ii) Tracking participants

To quantify the total number of individuals reached by the public awareness campaign,

PWF will track the number of participants from August 2016 – August 2017 that are

involved in the following outreach events/activities: (1) three naturalist information

stations; (2) all PWF Eco-Adventures cruises (3) all keiki whalewatches and ocean camps;

(4) all community tabling events; (5) PWF’s annual World Whale Day.

(iii) Tracking behavioral changes

To assess the public’s behavioral changes as they relate to the proposed public awareness

campaign PWF will issue a survey every 2 months. The survey will be designed using only

closed-ended questions to allow for objective evaluation of participants’ responses before

during and after the public awareness campaign. Questions will be adapted from the

attached World Whale Day questionnaire to specifically target changes in the public’s

perspective resulting from the proposed public awareness campaign.

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(iv) Student portfolio

Student portfolios will be created with project partners Kamehameha Schools and Maui

Hui Malama learning center to assess the development of knowledge from the proposed

awareness campaign. Critical thinking exercises will be used to determine how the

proposed awareness campaign can implement behavioral change in students.

(v) Tracking debris removal efforts

PWF’s citizen scientist Volunteer-On-Vacation program will be used to document the type

and number of debris items, including cigarette butts, collected during the proposed

awareness campaign. A sample datasheet, containing a list of beaches that have been

cleaned in the past by citizen scientists, has been submitted as supplementary information.

6.0 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE WITH MIELESTONES

This public awareness campaign will initially be run for a 12 month period (August 2016 –

August 2017), after which the outcomes will be assessed and the established public awareness

campaign will be maintained within the daily operations of PWF.

Table 1: Marine Debris Public Awareness Campaign Timeline

Milestones

August 2016 – August 2017

1st Qtr 2

nd Qtr 3

rd Qtr 4

th Qtr

Develop marketing strategy and create collateral materials X

Discuss strategies with established partners X

Invite key industry as well as state and local agencies to world whale day X

Incorporate materials into existing curriculum for keiki whale watches

and ocean camp X

Develop opportunities to relay marine debris awareness message through

partners X X X

Complete second questionnaire X

Re-focus initial campaign if necessary based on questionnaire outcome X

Circulate surveys to assess behavioral change X X X X

Provide educational materials at three outreach stations X X X

Attend community tabling events X X X

Teach youth (K-12) about marine debris prevention through ocean camp

and whale watches X X X

Incorporate beach clean-ups into volunteer on vacation program X X X X

7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

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The focus of proposed activities is to raise awareness on issues relating to marine debris, with an

emphasis on the recently implemented “tobacco free beaches and parks” policy. Increasing

knowledge and encouraging behavioral change has the potential for indirect environmental

benefits, through increased understanding of marine debris issues and threats. The activities

outlined in this proposal are not known to cause adverse environmental impact. With the

exception of beach clean-up, activities do not involve direct interactions or alterations with the

environment. Activities taking place outside, such as presentations or outreach events, are held in

places regularly frequented by the general public and will be conducted in accordance with

applicable laws for site use.

8.0 ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE

Pacific Whale Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1980 with a mission to protect

our oceans through science and advocacy. If funded, the research department at PWF will have

oversight responsibility for this grant. Within PWF, the research department is responsible for

disseminating the foundation’s education and conservation messages from recent scientific

findings including those generated from their research projects. The senior research analyst

works closely with the chief scientist to ensure their research provides the scientific information

needed to substantiate the need for protection and legislation relevant to PWF’s mission. Results

from PWF’s research are shared with the (1) lead staff coordinator for dissemination to all

marine naturalists who interact with and educate the public; and (2) youth education specialist

for incorporation into curriculum used to teach the young minds that will be tomorrow’s voters

and decision makers.

8.1 PROJECT STAFF

Resumes of all project staff listed below have been included as supplemental materials.

Principal Investigators:

Jens Currie, M.Sc., Senior Research Analyst, Pacific Whale Foundation

Jens has completed a B.Sc. Honors and M.Sc. in Biology at Memorial University of

Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. He currently manages Maui research projects at

Pacific Whale Foundation. Previously he has worked for Fisheries and Oceans Canada as a

physical scientist completing ecosystem based modeling and as a marine biologist

researching community dependence on estuarine ecosystem goods and services in developing

regions of South Africa. He has substantial experience in project management, including

successful grant applications and projects. He has a strong passion for understanding impacts

of marine debris and linking physical observations to observed biological changes.

Jens will act as lead PI and work closely with the chief scientist, Greg Kaufman to ensure

effective project management.

Greg Kaufman, Chief Scientist and Founder, Pacific Whale Foundation

Greg founded Pacific Whale Foundation in 1980 and committed the organization to

educating the public, from a scientific perspective, about the marine environment. Greg

oversees all research projects conducted by Pacific Whale Foundation in Maui, Australia, and

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Ecuador. He has substantial experience in public education and outreach, introducing

countless programs to Maui residents and tourists, encouraging interest in marine science to

all ages of the public. Greg pioneered several educational and outreach programs,

recognizing the public’s role in implementing protective laws and policies.

Greg will work closely with the main PI, Jens Currie, to ensure education and outreach

messages are effectively presented and communicated to all audiences.

Co-Investigators

Robyn Ehrlich, Youth Education Specialist, Pacific Whale Foundation

Robyn has five years of teaching and outreach experience within various organizations and

schools where she worked with students and adults of all ages. Robyn is the youth education

specialist at Pacific Whale Foundation and previously worked as a teacher at Kihei Charter

School. She has substantial experience in curriculum development and implementation with a

focus on educational outreach planning.

Robin will develop new curriculum with the proposed marine debris and legislation

awareness campaign for Pacific Whale Foundation’s youth educational programs, which

include Keiki Whale Watches and Ocean Camps.

Morgan Wittmer, Operations Manager/Staff Director, Pacific Whale Foundation

Morgan has five years of outreach and education experience as a marine naturalist and is

currently supervisor for all vessel/education staff. She holds a B.Sc. from the University of

Colorado and an M.Sc. in Biology from Florida Atlantic University. She has substantial

experience in effectively communicating education and conservation messages to all ages of

the public.

Morgan will ensure the proposed marine debris and legislation awareness campaign is

effectively communicated all vessel and outreach staff running Pacific Whale Foundation

Eco-Adventure’s eco-tours and outreach stations.

Jill Wirt, Naturalist, Pacific Whale Foundation

Jill has three years of conservation and educational experience and is a marine naturalist at

Pacific Whale Foundation. She holds and B.Sc. in Environmental Studies from the San Diego

State University. She has a strong passion for conservation and education, with a particular

interest in marine debris. She worked with Pacific Whale Foundation’s research and

conservation department on their study quantifying drivers and trends of Maui’s coastal

debris, the results of which form the foundation of this proposal.

Jill will work with Morgan to ensure effective delivery of the proposed marine debris and

legislation awareness campaign to all passengers on Pacific Whale Foundation Eco-

Adventure’s eco-tours. She will also help with community tabling events and Maui Whale

Festival activities as they relate to this proposal.

Project Partners

Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii - Letter of support attached.

The Maui Hotel and Lodging Associations – Letter of support attached.

Maui Hui Malama Learning Center – Letter of support attached.

Kamehameha Schools – Letter of support attached

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If funded, PWF will continue to solicit more organizations to help with the proposed

outreach campaign.

9.0 COMMUNICATION PLAN

Table 3: Communication Plan of Project Deliverables

Deliverable/Description Delivery Frequency Communication Method

Project Kickoff – Inform public of

project and expected deliverables

August 2016 Sharing project details through social media, PSAs,

and press release.

Project Plan – Discuss project

implementation with staff and

partners

August 2016

(continued as needed)

Sit-down discussion.

Project activities – Inform people of

project activities

As needed Share upcoming events through social media, PWF

website, outreach stations, and distribute printed

materials.

Project Accomplishments – Update

public on achieved milestones

As needed Share accomplishments through social media, PWF

website, outreach stations, and press releases.

Project Closeout – Summarize

project findings and outcomes

August 2017 Final document to be shared with partners, PWF

members, and any interested parties.

REFERENCES

Barnes, D.K.A., 2002. Invasions by marine life on plastic debris. Nature 416, 808-809.

Blickley, L.C., Currie, J.C., Kaufman, G.D. 2016. Trends and drivers of debris accumulation on

Maui shorelines: Implications for local mitigation strategies. Marine Pollution Bulletin

105: 292–298.

Eriksson, C., Burton, H., Fitch, S., Schulz, M., Van den Hoff, J., 2013. Daily accumulation rates

of marine debris on sub-Antarctic island beaches. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 66, 199-208.

Gregory, M.R., 2009. Environmental implications of plastic debris in marine settings -

entanglement, ingestion, smothering, hangers-on, hitch-hiking and alien invasions.

Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B. 364, 2013-2025.

Hamady, D., Rajasaygar, S., Ahmad, A.H. et al. 2013. Turning cigarette butt waste into an

alternative control tool against an insecticide-resistant mosquito vector. Acta tropica

128.3, 584-590.

Mackay, J., Eriksen, M., Shafey, O., 2006. The Tobacco Atlas, 2nd ed. American Cancer

Society, Brighton, UK.

Morishige, C., Donohue, M.J., Flint, E., Swenson, C., Woolaway, C., 2007. Factors affecting

marine debris deposition at French Frigate Shoals, Northwestern Hawaiian Island Marine

National Monument, 1990-2006. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 54, 1162-1169.

Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) and the Scientific and Technical

Advisory Panel—GEF, 2012. Impacts of marine debris on biodiversity: current status and

potential solutions. Technical Series No. 67, 61.

Sheavly, S.B., Register, K.M., 2007. Marine debris & plastics: environmental concerns, sources,

impacts and solutions. J. Polym. Environ. 15, 301-305.

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Slaughter, E., Gersberg, R.M., Watanabe, K., Rudolph, J., Stransky, C., and Novotny, T.E. 2011.

Toxicity of cigarette butts, and their chemical components, to marine and freshwater fish.

Tobacco Control 20. Suppl 1. 25-29.

Slip, D.J., Burton, H.R., 1991. Accumulation of fishing debris, plastic litter, and other artefacts,

on Heard and Macquarie Islands in the Southern Ocean. Environ. Conserv. 18, 249-254.

DATA SHARING PLAN

The grant proposal entitled, Informing, Educating, and Involving the Public in Marine Debris

Awareness and Policy, implemented by Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) if funded, will

generate information on the public’s understanding of marine debris issues and how this relates

to the newly implemented tobacco free beaches and parks legislation. The general public will be

surveyed before during and after the public awareness campaign. The survey will provide

information on the efficacy of the proposed marine debris awareness campaign, by assessing

participant’s basic knowledge, through answering of five questions as outlined in project

proposal, before and after public outreach campaign.

Data will also be collected on the total number of participants reached during the proposed

public awareness campaign. The number of participants attending naturalist stations, eco-tour

cruises, keiki whale watches and ocean camps, community tabling events, beach clean-ups and

PWF’s annual world whale day will be recorded regularly to track attendance. Metrics on the

total number of beaches cleaned and the amount and type of debris removed will also be

recorded.

Data will be managed by the Research Department at PWF and initially collected on printed

datasheets and later transferred to electronic spreadsheets for storage and analysis. The collected

data and results of subsequent analyses will be available to the public upon request starting

September 2017. Contact Jens Currie at research@pacificwhale.org for more information or to

make a data request. In the past, we have shared similar data through the PWF website, outreach

events, scientific committee reports, and peer-reviewed publications.