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The NOAA Marine Debris Program has all of the tools to engage partners and volunteers around the world to survey and record the amount and types of marine debris on shorelines.
Public participation in science goes by many names (“citizen science,” “community science,” and “volunteer monitoring” to name a few) and takes many forms. Through the NOAA Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project (MDMAP), the NOAA Marine Debris Program partners with the public to conduct surveys. These surveys are valuable scientific tools that are used to identify ways to prevent and track progress toward reduction of marine debris. Conducting a marine debris survey is also an engaging and empowering way to gain firsthand experience with the issue, while collecting authentic scientific data! Tags Citizen Science monitoring shoreline monitoring MDMAPHawaiian monk seals face many threats caused by humans, including food limitation and habitat loss. However, one of their most significant threats is marine debris. Hawaiian monk seals are observed stuck in nets and fishing gear more than almost any other pinniped (seal, sea lion, or walrus) species. Seals can be entangled in all types of derelict fishing gear, including nets, lines, and hooks from non-commercial and commercial fishing. Entanglement can make it difficult for seals to breathe, hunt for food, and escape from predators, potentially leading to injury or death. Entanglement is seen more frequently in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
Tags Pacific Islands entanglement removalLocated in Imperial Beach, California, the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve (TRNERR) sees challenges as opportunities to utilize trinational collaboration in addressing the social-ecological impacts of marine debris. With support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program (NOAA MDP) provided through the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act, the ResiDUOS project was created to collaboratively develop a community-driven circular economy pilot project, capture and characterize trash, remove debris in critical natural habitats, and develop a binational emergency response guide to flooding.
Tags prevention CaliforniaThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Debris Program is pleased to release the “United States Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide” (Guide). Developed in collaboration with other federal agencies, the Guide aims to improve preparedness for responding to marine debris after hurricanes and other disasters in coastal areas of the United States, including the Great Lakes and territories.
Tags emergency response response MDP ResourcesThe NOAA Marine Debris Program is proud to announce that our 2024 Marine Debris Calendar is now available for download!
Tags art contest art educationNovember is National Native American Heritage Month
The NOAA Marine Debris Program is proud to collaborate with multiple tribal partners in efforts to remove marine debris from our waterways and empower the communities that work to reduce the impacts of marine debris on our shores. Through our grant programs, regional action plans, and community-building efforts, NOAA’s Marine Debris Program strives to bring together the many groups that tirelessly work to reduce the impacts of marine debris. In celebration of our rich ancestral heritage, this month we are highlighting some active projects that work with or are led by native communities. Learn more about each of the projects and the impacts of marine debris on native communities!
Tags removal Alaska derelict fishing gear derelict crab potsWhere does marine debris originate, and how does it make its way to the ocean? There are many possible avenues for land-based trash to become marine debris. In Southern California, San Diego State University (SDSU) is working to find the answers. This multi-departmental project at SDSU is quantifying marine debris in the highly urbanized San Diego River and working to better understand how it travels through our waterways.
Tags California research