Project #65: Montague Island Cleanup with GoAK
This short film was produced by Rivers Are Life.
William Melton of Will Melton Media Productions LLC served as the Director of Photography and Lead Drone Pilot for this project.
In one of the most remote corners of North America, Montague Island’s coastline is both breathtaking and heartbreaking—teeming with wildlife, but smothered under tons of marine debris. This summer, Rivers are Life joined Gulf of Alaska Keeper for a week-long volunteer mission to make a difference. The Challenge:
Rugged coastline with up to 30 tons of debris per mile.
Heavy derelict fishing nets, tangled line bundles, and toxic creosote-treated lumber.
Beaches accessible only by helicopter due to dangerous reefs and tides.
Our Week in Numbers:
6 days on-site.
10,000+ pounds of trash removed.
0 days without bruises and sore muscles.
We lived on boats, flew to work each day in helicopters, and spent long hours hauling debris into super sacks for transport to Anchorage for recycling or safe disposal. Why It Matters: This cleanup protects critical habitat for marine mammals, migratory birds, and fish, that depend on these coastal ecosystems for food their livelihoods.
Watch exclusive behind-the-scenes videos, see the most surprising debris finds, and hear from our team about the toughest (and most inspiring) moments—only in the Rivers are Life app: https://member.riversarelife.com/