Montague Island Cleanups
The Gulf of Alaska and its environs provide rich habitat for commercial fishing, subsistence activities, and wildlife. Montague Island sits in the Gulf of Alaska, and its shores collect an abundance of marine debris from all over the world, brought by churning currents of the Pacific. This project will remove marine debris from 74-tidal miles (119 kilometers) of shoreline suffering from some of the worst marine debris accumulation in the nation. Montague Island’s shore is blanketed with up to 30 tons of marine debris per shoreline mile.
To assist with removal, we are seeking volunteers to participate in the 2026 cleanup season on Montague Island.
This trip will not be for everyone—the remote nature of Montague and the strenuous work involved with marine debris removal requires many risks to individuals. To understand the scope of the project and the risks involved, find more details on our website.
The 2026 cleanup season will run for 8 weeks, beginning June 5th, 2026. Each week will consist of a new volunteer crew overseen by Gulf of Alaska Keeper (GoAK).
Each crew will depart from Whittier, Alaska on Friday, and return to Whittier the following Friday. Volunteers should expect 9-hour work days while on site.
Arrival & Check-In (Friday, 3:00 PM)
Arrive at the designated meeting point in Whittier.
Check-in with Gulf of Alaska Keeper, load gear onto the transport vessel, and receive a safety briefing.
Begin the 3-hour cruise to Montague Island.
Base Camp and Cleanups (Saturday-Thursday)
Volunteers will be lodged on a small fleet of support vessels anchored on the north side of Montague Island.
In the mornings, volunteers will be helicoptered to the day's worksite on the Island's southern shore. These locations will change from hitch to hitch, and change depending on the weather.
In the evenings, volunteers will be helicoptered back to the support vessels.
While aboard the support vessels, all participants (including volunteers) are expected to help with the cooking and cleaning chores associated with a crewed vessel.
The days on Montague will be hard work, but weather permitting there will also be ample time to relax, swim, and enjoy the stunning scenery of this remote part of Alaska.
Return to Base (The next Friday, 12:00 PM)
Pack up and cruise back to Whittier on the transport vessel.
Last chance for photos.
Assist with the hitch exchange, and briefly help orient the next crew of volunteers.
Trip Concludes (3:00 PM)
Collect gear.
Wrap-up with Gulf of Alaska Keeper.
The weather in the Gulf of Alaska and Montague Island is notoriously unpredictable and can change suddenly. Therefore this itinerary is subject to change without warning. Departure from Whittier may be delayed, and it might be necessary to terminate a trip early if the weather demands. Our participants' safety is our top priority.
As participants are lodged on a small fleet of support boats, quarters are tight and space is at a premium! We recommend volunteers do not bring any extraneous gear. A full packing list will be sent to you upon registration, but volunteers should expect to bring at minimum:
- A day pack (preferably waterproof)
- Sleeping bag
- 2 water bottles
- Rain gear and boots
- Work clothes
- Outer weather-resistant layers
- Work gloves
- Personal toiletries
- Towel
- Bug repellent
- Camera and/or binoculars (even though you're working, the sights are still amazing!)
Gulf of Alaska Keeper will provide the bulk of the food for the project, including fruits, vegetables, proteins, and snacks. If you have specific dietary restrictions, it is recommended that you bring food to supplement this selection, as GoAK cannot accommodate a swath of dietary restrictions.
Due to the nature of cooking shared meals and living in close quarters for the duration of the project, we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-safe environment. If you have severe food allergies (i.e. allergy to nuts) please reconsider joining this project unless you are confident you can ensure your own safety.
Registering to volunteer does not guarantee your ability to volunteer on a Montague Island cleanup. After registration, prospective volunteers will be required to attend virtual orientation meetings over Zoom with project leaders in March 2026. If you are cleared, additional documentation may be required to participate.
Volunteers are responsible for getting themselves to Whittier to make their scheduled departure. Gulf of Alaska Keeper and its partners will not provide transportation to or from Whittier prior to or upon completion of your scheduled hitch.
To see the full project proposal and view the waiver, visit our website.
Registering for this trip required a deposit of $100, to be refunded after successful completion of your trip. You will have the option to donate your deposit, to support the project and Gulf of Alaska Keeper's work.
This deposit is also refundable if you withdraw from the trip before March 25th, 2025 or if you are removed from a trip by coordinators before departure. If you are a no-show for a trip or back out later than March 25th, the deposit will not be returned. If you have any questions that might impact your participation, please feel free to reach out before that deadline and we will do our best to provide you with all necessary information to aid in your decision.
Attending an online orientation meeting with program leaders is required for participation. You will have the opportunity to register for a session after completing hitch registration.