The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program is the United States Government’s lead for addressing the impacts of marine debris on our ocean, waterways, and Great Lakes. We work with organizations around the United States and globally to prevent marine debris from entering the environment, remove it from coastal areas, better understand the problem through research and shoreline monitoring, and respond to debris created by disasters. Learn more about the Marine Debris Program here.

Artwork of creatures swimming through a coral reef away from a derelict net, accompanied by a dolphin filled with marine debris by Jeewoo S. (Grade 8, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands), winner of the 2022 NOAA Marine Debris Program Art Contest.

Now Open: The NOAA Marine Debris Program Art Contest!

Are you a student or teacher who’s passionate about marine debris? Then get your art supplies ready, because this year’s NOAA Marine Debris Program Art Contest is officially open! Students in grades K-8 from the United States and U.S. territories can submit their artwork now through December 11 that answers the questions: How does marine debris impact the ocean and Great Lakes? What are you doing to help prevent marine debris? Enter today and you could see your artwork featured in our 2028 Marine Debris Calendar! So get crafty, get creative, and help us raise awareness about marine debris. 

Marine Debris Program Regions

In this section, you can find state or region-specific information on current marine debris projects and activities. Marine debris impacts every U.S. coastal state and territory. In order to address it, the NOAA Marine Debris Program positions coordinators around the country to provide local expertise and guidance to marine debris stakeholders.