MIDWAY ATOLL BEACH CLEAN UP EXPEDITION AND MARINE DEBRIS ART EVENT

SAN FRANCISCO — Two unique opportunities offered by the non-profit Oceanic Society will  have a direct, positive impact on the environmental challenge of marine debris.  Susan Middleton, a conservation photographer and educator  who has worked throughout the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands for over a decade,  will displaying and discussing  her work at the 5th International Marine Debris Conference March 20-25 in Honolulu, and then will lead a Beach Clean-Up volunteer group  to Midway Atoll May 16-23.                ..

“The Sixth Gyre: Art, Oceans, and Plastic Pollution” is part of the conference in Hawaii, organized by  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United Nations Environment Program. Middleton is one of  seven artists collaborating in this exhibit to create dynamic visual interpretations of the environmental problems caused by marine pollution.  Eleven groups, including the Oceanic Society, are sponsoring the event. For more information, see  www.5imdc.org/6thgyre.

Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge,  part of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument,  is a wildlife treasure house that offers special opportunities for anyone interested in learning about a wide variety of seabirds and marine wildlife.  Midway is a peaceful sanctuary  in the midst of the Pacific Ocean where nature still  rules -- except for the marine debris that wash upon its beaches.  While beaches are cleaned up a regular basis, the refuge can use some extra hands. 

Middleton will lead the combined natural history and marine debris service project to Midway Atoll  to observe and photograph the wildlife, but also to help protect them by collecting the marine debris that can endanger their lives. Oceanic Society  coordinates week-long trips to Midway Atoll annually to foster public awareness of the importance and sensitivity of remote atoll ecosystems. These trips help ensure the protection of Midway’s wildlife and historic resources while allowing visitors to learn about and experience this unique ecosystem.  Visitors also will learn about the historical significance of Midway, and  of the  cultural significance of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands for Native Hawaiians.

The Midway trip costs $7,295 including a charter flight  from Honolulu.  For details or a brochure, contact Oceanic Society at 800-326-7491, email reiremo@oceanicsociety.org or visit  www.oceanic-society.org.