Portrait of an Ocean: An ongoing collaborative project with NOAA's Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program, aimed at bringing awareness to the problem of marine debris.  Inquires about loaning opportunities can be made through the, 'Contact' page. 

Save for derelict fishing gear, the bulk of marine debris that washes ashore on beaches around the world are commonly used items, like ‘disposable’ lighters. Intentionally or not, we all unwittingly contribute to the problem of marine debris.

A 2016 study projects that in just over 30 years (by 2050) the World’s oceans will contain more plastic than fish by weight. Healthy marine ecosystems are vital to all life on earth not only because the world’s oceans are a rich, natural resource but because they also produce more than 50% of the oxygen that we breathe and help regulate the climate. By changing the way that we consume we can generate positive change on marine ecosystems and preserve the remaining integrity of our Oceans.

@Schack Art Center / Salmon School Ambassadors Exhibition / Photo Credit: Joseph Rossano

These disposable lighters were collected for this project from the ​Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument by Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program by field biologists during the 2017 field season (~4 months). The installation will expand as field biologists continue to collect lighters for this project. 

Many thanks to: French Frigate Shoals - Shawn Farry, Sean Guerin, Josh Carpenter, Allie Northey - Laysan Island - Hope Ronco, Helena Dodge, Kristen Tovar - Lisianski Island - Keelan Barcina, Brittany Dolan - Pearl and Hermes Atoll - Darren Roberts, Megan Roberts, Alix Gibson, Caroline Cummings - Kure Atoll - Ilana Nimz, David Golden
​Metal Fabrication: Zak Hinderyckx.