HONOLULU — One person’s trash is another’s treasure.

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is hosting an art contest that will pit creative pieces made of marine debris against each other. 

This is the first time that the sanctuary is putting on a marine debris art contest, and students and families are encouraged to apply by creating art out of trash collected on the beach.

"This year marks the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary's 30th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of all National Marine Sanctuaries. As part of this anniversary, we are celebrating sanctuaries' roles in ocean conservation and stewardship, and inviting people to share why sanctuaries are such special places. This art contest is being held to engage our community, promote ocean stewardship, and bring awareness to the issue of marine debris in Hawaii," Michelle Graham, the Maui Education and Outreach Program Associate, told Spectrum News in an email. 

The beach trash should be washed and cleaned before being used to create art. 

Any type of art is accepted: paintings, collages, sculpture and others. 

The only rule is that the artworks submitted in the contest be made of at least 50% marine debris. 

Participants should take a hi-res photo of the marine debris art and upload it here.  

The deadline for submissions is Nov. 1, 2022 at noon.

The winners of the marine debris art contest will be announced in November. 

The first place winner will receive an underwater digital camera. 

Editor's note: This article has been updated to include a statement from the Hawaiian Islands Humpbacks Whale National Marine Sanctuary. (Oct. 17, 2022)

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii.