Non-mineral sunscreen ban: before and after
MNMRC is currently conducting a research project to determine the effectiveness of the October 1st non-mineral sunscreen ban. We are testing the types and concentrations of sunscreen chemicals that are found in the ocean water at five locations in Maui County. These sites are heavily trafficked, high volume recreational zones: Honolua Bay, Kapalua Bay, Kāʻanapali Beach (Pu’u Keka’a), Pu’unoa Beach (Baby Beach), and Kalepolepo Beach Park. We are sampling both before the ban goes into effect, and almost a year after to observe what kind of changes we see.
It’s known that non-mineral sunscreens can adversely affect marine life. This is why it is so important to eliminate these chemicals from our waters, especially in “good” snorkeling (aka high fish volume) zones. Non-mineral sunscreen chemical concentrations will be analyzed in water samples collected both before and after the ban to see if levels are indeed dropping, showing the effectiveness of the ban, or determining that levels are remaining stable, meaning more action would be required.
However, we need your help to make this possible. The first round of sampling is underway, and we’re kindly asking for financial support. If sunscreen use is something you are passionate about, just like us here at Maui Nui Marine Resource Council, please consider supporting this project. Your kind donation will help us truly uncover the effectiveness of the October 1st non-mineral sunscreen ban and what future steps might be needed to encourage mineral-based sunscreens only.
Learn more about the effects of non-mineral sunscreen on marine life in the infographic below.
