A number of nonprofit organizations on Maui are asking the public’s help in locating this shipping container that was used to transport marine debris from Maui beaches for analysis and recycling. Photo courtesy Pacific Whale Foundation

A 20-foot long shipping container used as a key link for removing marine debris from Maui’s beaches has been stolen.

Used by the Pacific Whale Foundation, the cream-colored container was taken from gated state land at Maalaea Harbor sometimes around Friday, Aug. 29.

“Losing this container undermines a system designed to reduce plastic pollution,” said Jennifer Lynch, co-director of the Center for Marine Debris Research. “We urge the public to assist in any way possible — whether with information, resources or donations. This further exacerbates funding challenges CMDR has been facing throughout this year. We must find dedicated funding to be able to continue this important partnership effort.”

The shipping container had just returned from Oahu where it unloaded a large amount of marine debris collected from Maui’s beaches and nearshore waters.

Center scientists analyze the debris to determine its place of origin, and they use that information in an effort to collaborate with other countries to reduce pollution in the ocean.

The public is urged to report any information to the Maui Police Department at (808) 875-8190, referencing police report #25025446.

“This container was critical to our island-wide marine debris removal strategy,” said Susan Frett, programs director at Pacific Whale Foundation. “Its theft not only delays our efforts but threatens the long-term health of Maui’s reefs and coastlines.”

A number of nonprofit organizations on Maui are asking the public’s help in locating this shipping container that was used to transport marine debris from Maui beaches for analysis and recycling. Photo courtesy Pacific Whale Foundation

According to the center, the container was sent twice to Oahu in 2025, carrying a total of 21,000 pounds of marine debris.

This cross-island partnership prevents thousands of pounds of plastic from returning to the ocean or being landfilled, contributing instead to research, policy advocacy and prevention innovation.

At Sharkastics, a community-based marine debris removal project that coordinates work with volunteers and researchers, the theft is heartbreaking.

“We rely on infrastructure like this container to keep the momentum going'” said Cheryl King, founder of Sharkastics. “Our teams work hard to keep debris off beaches and out of the ocean, this loss affects all of us.”

The partners are part of the broader effort led by the Hawaiʻi Marine Debris Action Plan working group and sponsored by NOAA.

To donate to the Pacific Whale Foundation, go to www.pacificwhale.org/donate. The organization says any donations will help it recover from the loss and strengthen Hawaii’s ability to protect marine life and coastlines.