Marine Conservation Alliance Foundation
For the past two years (starting in 2004), the Marine Conservation Alliance Foundation has received funding from Congress, through NOAA, to engage in marine debris removal activities. Alaska is home to numerous fishing fleets that engage in a variety of fishing methods. The state is also on the edge of the Pacific gyre, which carries derelict fishing gear from other parts of the Pacific to Alaskan shores.
The foundation is implementing a comprehensive program to remove and recycle or otherwise properly dispose of marine debris which washes up on Alaska's shores.
The foundation is just beginning this work, particularly tracking, coordinating, and providing funding for the disposal of debris that is collected.
This work is done in cooperation with towns and villages, and native Alaskan tribes. The first year's work is focusing on St. Paul Island in the Bering Sea. Succeeding years will expand to other parts of Alaska.
This project will result in:
- cleaner beaches
- removal of navigation hazards
- wildlife protection
- a database on the Internet of the locations of marine debris and
- a notification and coordination system for vessels to pick up identified marine debris
The foundation receives funding through NOAA's Ocean Service, Office of Response and Restoration.
