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

A stack of derelict crab traps.

First Round of Projects Announced Under the Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program

We are pleased to announce with the William and Mary’s Batten School and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science 11 new marine debris removal projects under the Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program. These projects represent an investment of $1.4 million to clean our nation's waterways with funds provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science selected these projects, in coordination with the NOAA Marine Debris Program, through a rigorous and competitive review process. 


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.