An Integrated PDA-GPS Protocol for Marine Debris and Oil Spill Cleanup, Mitigation and Decision-Making
Nationwide; 2006
The University of New Hampshire Environmental Research Group and the Coastal Response Research Center (NOAA/UNH partnership) have conducted collaborative research on marine pollution because of the overlap that exists between collection of marine debris and oil spills on shorelines. Floating marine debris and oil spills are influenced by numerous variables including ocean currents, tidal patterns, and wind regimes, ultimately stranding pollution in collection zones. In spill situations, the signs of marine debris (floats, fishing gear and plastics) are signals for shoreline impact assessors to look for oil.
The overall objective of this project was three-fold:
- To produce an integrated protocol for assessing and monitoring pollution from marine debris
- Provide data for decision-making
- Increase the effectiveness of future remediation and mitigation techniques through the use of an integrated PDA-GPS system.
Outcomes included, improved data collection and analysis, reduction of marine debris, public education, improved spill response strategies, a quantitative decision-making process, and technology transfer of the integrated protocol and PDA use for marine debris and spill response communities.
This program is housed within NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration and is funded through NOAA's Ocean Service, Office of Response and Restoration, Marine Debris Program.
