A derelict net strung across a nearly vertical reef wall. Net material was cut around protrusions of living corals to assure minimal disturbance to the living reef.

Scientist diver studying effects of derelict nets on coral reefs.

Cutting out heavy reef substrate material from derelict net prior to lifting onto inflatable boat for transport to CASITAS.

Derelict net prior to cutting out reef substrate material prior to loading on inflatable boat.

Derelict net debris after cutting apart and floating free portion to surface.

Scuba diver cutting derelict net material free prior to floating free portion to surface. Diver in 20 feet of water.

Cardinal fish living at edge of net debris. Moray eels lived deep in net agglomeration and often were carried to surface posing hazard to individuals transporting net material as some were bitten.

Damsel fish living at edge of net debris. Moray eels lived deep in net agglomeration and often were carried to surface posing hazard to individuals transporting net material as some were bitten.

Monk seal cruising around a net debris pile on the bottom looking for a meal from fish living on the edge of the pile.

Monk seal hunting on edge of net debris pile.

Snorkeler inspecting net debris entangled on coral rock outcrop. Diver is in lower left corner.

Inflatable boat waiting for retrieval by contract vessel CASITAS on a squally day.

A rainy squally day stops work early.

Divers engaged in cutting net debris for floating to surface and transporting back to contract vessel CASITAS.

Monk seal and ulua fish looking for a meal on the outskirts of a net debris pile.

Human debris covers the sands of Pearl and Hermes Atoll. This area is one of the most isolated areas of the North Pacific Ocean, yet currents carry this debris from throughout the oceanic basin.

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching

Coral bleaching