Marine Debris Education Campaign for Guam
Pacific Region; 2006
Marine debris continues to impact Guam’s coastal resources. In 2003, volunteers collected nearly 22 tons of marine debris from ten sites during The Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) coordinated on the island by the Guam Coastal Management Program. Beverage containers, tobacco products, and convenience food wrappers, such as plastic bags, plastic trays, and cellophane were among the most numerous items collected. These findings indicate that marine debris is a considerable problem affecting Guam’s beaches and coral reefs.
This project will develop an education campaign that supports the goals of NOAA’s Marine Debris Program with the specific goal of increasing residents’ awareness of marine debris and promote stewardship for coastal and marine resources, thus reducing the level of land-based marine debris and derelict fishing gear affecting Guam’s environment.
Public service announcements (PSA) which complement existing education and outreach activities in Guam will be developed and aired. The PSAs will target members of the community not currently engaged in conservation activities in order to build new capacity. The PSAs will be supported by print media, a website, community outreach events, and promotional handouts. In addition, information will be provided to local fishermen through personal interaction during community meetings.
This program is funded through NOAA's Ocean Service, Office of Response & Restoration, Marine Debris Program.
