A lobster trap on the shoreline of the Channel Islands in California (Photo: NOAA).

In This Issue Martine Debris Removal Awards Collect Marine Debris Data Prepare and Prevent Hurricane Debris Where Does Marine Debris Come From Quick Links Marine Debris Website
Marine Debris Blog
Monitoring Toolbox
In Your Region
ADV InfoHub
Clearinghouse Monitoring Toolbox

The NOAA Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project has an updated Monitoring Toolbox! Check out the new video tutorials and database visualization tools, along with refreshed guides and field datasheets. The Monitoring Toolbox contains all of the resources you need to get started.

Learn More

2023 Marine Debris Calendar Available

The 2023 Marine Debris Calendar is available! This year’s calendar features artwork from thirteen students in kindergarten through eighth grade from nine states and two U.S. territories, all winners of the “Keep the Sea Free of Debris” art contest.

Learn More

Want to hear more from the NOAA MDP? Follow us on: @NOAAMarineDebris @NOAADebris @NOAADebris Website & Blog Marine Debris Removal Awards through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Derelict fishing gear on a shoreline in Massachusetts (Photo: NOAA).

We are proud to announce the 14 recipients of our NOAA Marine Debris Removal awards for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023, totaling over $69 million in federal funding for marine debris removal. Funding for this opportunity was provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and leveraged funds from the Inflation Reduction Act. The projects recommended for awards under this nationwide competitive funding opportunity continue the NOAA Marine Debris Program’s commitment to make tangible, beneficial impacts to coastal and marine habitats and communities across the nation through a variety of marine debris removal methods.

For more information on this year’s recommended projects, please visit the our website.

Collect and Explore Marine Debris Data

An updated MDMAP Shoreline Survey Guide and other Monitoring Toolbox materials were released in 2022 (Photo: NOAA).

Marine debris is a familiar sight on shorelines around the world, and a reminder that there is still work to be done to tackle this global environmental problem. You can help collect data on the problem through NOAA’s marine debris citizen science initiative, the Marine Debris Program Monitoring and Assessment Project! Our Monitoring Toolbox has all of the resources you need to get started, including updated guides and datasheets, video tutorials in English and Spanish, and a new open access database.

Learn More

Prepare for the Storm and Prevent Hurricane Debris

Derelict vessels and other debris in a Panama City marina following Hurricane Michael (Photo: NOAA).

Hurricanes and typhoons are among nature's most powerful and destructive events, and when these natural disasters strike they can create massive amounts of debris. That’s why the NOAA Marine Debris Program works with coastal states and U.S. territories to help communities prepare for hurricanes and prevent and respond to marine debris. Find storm preparedness resources for responders, homeowners, marinas, and more.

Learn More

Where Does Marine Debris Come From?

Bottle caps removed from the remote shorelines of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in Hawai'i (Photo: NOAA).

Our trash travels. Whether it is properly thrown away or dumped on purpose, it can find its way into our ocean and Great Lakes. This could happen at the beach, while boating on the water, or even many miles inland where trash can be blown and swept into waterways. Find out where marine debris comes from and how you can make a difference, no matter where you are.

Learn More

 

NOAA Marine Debris Program   |   https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/   |   2023

1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Contact us at marinedebris.web@noaa.gov

The NOAA Marine Debris Program Awards Funding to 14 New Projects Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law emma.tonge Wed, 04/19/2023 - 16:05

Following a highly competitive review process, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program is pleased to announce the 14 recommended recipients of our NOAA Marine Debris Removal awards for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023, totaling over $69 million in federal funding for marine debris removal. Funding for this opportunity was provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and leveraged funds from the Inflation Reduction Act.

• Read more about The NOAA Marine Debris Program Awards Funding to 14 New Projects Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Tags grants removal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

A derelict vessel in Coral Harbor, St. John. (Photo: Coral Bay Community Council).

In This Issue New Puerto Rico Response Guide Monitoring Tutorials Marine Debris in the Caribbean Education Resources How to Help Quick Links Marine Debris Website
Marine Debris Blog
Monitoring Toolbox
In Your Region
ADV InfoHub
Clearinghouse Monitoring Toolbox

The NOAA Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project has an updated Monitoring Toolbox! Check out the new video tutorials and database visualization tools, along with refreshed guides and field datasheets. The Monitoring Toolbox contains all of the resources you need to get started.

Learn more

2023 Marine Debris Calendar Available

The 2023 Marine Debris Calendar is available! This year’s calendar features artwork from thirteen students in kindergarten through eighth grade from nine states and two U.S. territories, all winners of the “Keep the Sea Free of Debris” art contest.

Learn More

Want to hear more from the NOAA MDP? Follow us on: @NOAAMarineDebris @NOAADebris @NOAADebris Website & Blog New Puerto Rico Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide

The new Puerto Rico Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide is available in English and Spanish (Photo: U.S. Coast Guard).

We are pleased to release the Puerto Rico Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide. The Guide is a product of a collaborative process with territorial and federal agencies and aims to improve preparedness for responding to marine debris after hurricanes and other disasters in Puerto Rico. The Guide is available in both English and Spanish.

Learn More

Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project Tutorials

Watch our series of video tutorials, available in English and Spanish!

Marine debris is a familiar sight on shorelines around the world, and a reminder that there is still work to be done to tackle this global environmental problem. You can help collect data with the NOAA Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project! An updated Monitoring Toolbox contains all of the resources you need to get started, including video tutorials. Through these tutorials, you will learn how to set up your site, conduct a survey, categorize debris, and submit data. Videos are available in both English and Spanish.

Learn More

Marine Debris in the Caribbean

Check out what's going on with the NOAA Marine Debris Program and our partners in the Caribbean (Photo: Protectores de Cuencas).

Although the Caribbean is home to clear blue waters and sandy beaches, our trash, abandoned and derelict vessels, derelict fishing gear, and debris created by storms is found on shorelines throughout the region. The NOAA Marine Debris Program works with partners in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to remove, research, and prevent marine debris that impacts wildlife and coastal communities.

Learn More

Marine Debris Education Resources

View our marine debris resources for educators, students, families, and adults and professionals (Credit: Rick Houchin Photography).

We have created an easy-to-use platform for all of our educational materials. Visit our website and dive into the many resources our program offers, including curricula, activities, multimedia, and fun learning opportunities!

Learn More

How YOU Can Help Stop Marine Debris

Consider skipping the plastic utensils and napkins whether you are eating at home or on the go (Photo: NOAA).

Tons of our trash flows into our ocean, waterways, and Great Lakes every year. It is a complex and ever growing problem, and it’s up to everyone to play a role in the solution. Learn how you can take action and make small changes no matter where you are - at the beach, on the water, at school, and even at home!

Learn More

 

NOAA Marine Debris Program   |   https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/   |   2023

1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Contact us at marinedebris.web@noaa.gov

Puerto Rico Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide: A New Comprehensive Guide for the Commonwealth emma.tonge Tue, 03/28/2023 - 10:41

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Debris Program is pleased to release the “Puerto Rico Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide” (Guide). The Guide is a product of a collaborative process with territorial and federal agencies. The Guide aims to improve preparedness for responding to marine debris after hurricanes and other disasters in Puerto Rico. 

• Read more about Puerto Rico Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide: A New Comprehensive Guide for the Commonwealth

Tags Caribbean emergency response

Puerto Rico Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide: A New Comprehensive Guide for the Commonwealth emma.tonge Tue, 03/28/2023 - 10:41

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Debris Program is pleased to release the “Puerto Rico Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide” (Guide). The Guide is a product of a collaborative process with territorial and federal agencies. The Guide aims to improve preparedness for responding to marine debris after hurricanes and other disasters in Puerto Rico. 

• Read more about Puerto Rico Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide: A New Comprehensive Guide for the Commonwealth

Tags Caribbean emergency response

Debris on a Hawai‘i Island beach prior to clean up (Photo: Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund).

In This Issue New Report on Vessel Recycling Meeting Marine Debris in the Pacific Removing Typhoon Debris in the CNMI Addressing Marine Debris Throughout California Marine Debris Hitch Hikers Quick Links Marine Debris Website
Marine Debris Blog
Monitoring Toolbox
In Your Region
ADV InfoHub
Clearinghouse Monitoring Toolbox

The NOAA Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project has an updated Monitoring Toolbox! Check out the new video tutorials and database visualization tools, along with refreshed guides and field datasheets. The Monitoring Toolbox contains all of the resources you need to get started.

Learn more

2023 Marine Debris Calendar Available

The 2023 Marine Debris Calendar is available! This year’s calendar features artwork from thirteen students in kindergarten through eighth grade from nine states and two U.S. territories, all winners of the “Keep the Sea Free of Debris” art contest.

Learn More

Want to hear more from the NOAA MDP? Follow us on: @NOAAMarineDebris @NOAADebris @NOAADebris Website & Blog New Report: Recycling Opportunities for Abandoned, Derelict, and End-of-Life Recreational Vessels

A boat with its sailing equipment lies dormant in the backyard of a salvage facility (Photo: Rhode Island Marine Trades Association).

We are pleased to share a report on Recycling Opportunities for Abandoned, Derelict, and End-of-Life Recreational Vessels. The Save Our Seas 2.0 Act required a study to determine the feasibility of developing a nationwide vessel recycling program, using a pilot project in Rhode Island as a model. The report was created by the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association Foundation, in partnership with the NOAA Marine Debris Program and National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, in order to summarize that study.

Learn More

Meeting the Marine Debris Problem with Perseverance in the Pacific

A mass of derelict fishing gear is removed during a Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund net patrol cleanup (Photo: Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund).

Throughout the year, the NOAA Marine Debris Program will spotlight each region for an entire month. Take a look back at the Pacific Islands projects we highlighted in February.

Marine debris of all types continue to be a problem for island communities across the Pacific. Despite this challenge, dedicated organizations and ocean stewards are working on projects to remove derelict fishing gear, clean up typhoon debris, offer alternatives to commonly used single-use plastic items, and much more. The NOAA Marine Debris Program is proud to support these partners and projects throughout the Pacific Islands region.

Learn More

Removing Typhoon Debris in the CNMI

Metal debris collected at Southern Saipan priority sites (Photo: Mariana Islands Nature Alliance).

The Northern Mariana Islands are increasingly susceptible to destruction from extreme weather conditions that damage homes, schools, hotels, and critical infrastructure. Our partners at the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance (MINA) is working with federal, commonwealth, and local governments and countless numbers of volunteers to remove marine debris created by these storms and restoring habitat in the waters and surrounding coastal areas of Tinian Harbor, northern coastal areas, and along Saipan’s southern shallow waters and coastlines.

Learn More

Addressing Marine Debris Throughout California

Volunteers make their way to a cleanup in the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve (Photo: Surfrider Foundation).

The NOAA Marine Debris Program supports various partners involved in marine debris research, prevention, and removal throughout California. Local universities, nonprofits, and state and federal agencies make up the many hands that are addressing microplastics, single-use plastics, fishing gear, and large-scale marine debris, such as abandoned and derelict vessels. From up north, to down south, and across shared border communities, these partners and their efforts create a comprehensive response to California’s marine debris issues.

Learn More

Marine Debris Hitch Hikers

Over 60 species were found on this dock that washed up on Agate Beach in Newport, Oregon (Photo: Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center).

For nearly as long as there has been life on this planet, wildlife has traveled on ocean currents to new areas. Marine debris also travels these currents, and once in the ocean, takes far longer to break down than natural debris. This means that the species that attach themselves to our trash can hitch a ride further and for longer periods of time than ever before. 

Learn More

 

NOAA Marine Debris Program   |   https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/   |   2023

1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Contact us at marinedebris.web@noaa.gov

A Great State With Great Efforts: Addressing Marine Debris Throughout California Shanelle.Naone Wed, 03/01/2023 - 11:00

The NOAA Marine Debris Program supports various partners involved in marine debris research, prevention, and removal throughout California. Local universities, nonprofits, and state and federal agencies make up the many hands that are addressing microplastics, single-use plastics, fishing gear, and large-scale marine debris, such as abandoned and derelict vessels. From up north, to down south, and across shared border communities, these partners and their efforts create a comprehensive response to California’s marine debris issues.

• Read more about A Great State With Great Efforts: Addressing Marine Debris Throughout California

Tags California removal prevention

Removing Typhoon Debris From Land and Sea in the CNMI Shanelle.Naone Thu, 02/16/2023 - 11:00

More than four years after the destructive forces of Typhoon Yutu ripped through Tinian and Saipan, its remnants continue to degrade natural habitats and attractions that jeopardize tourism and economic growth in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The Mariana Islands Nature Alliance and its partners are continuing marine debris removal activities and marine habitat restoration in the waters and surrounding coastal areas of Tinian Harbor, northern coastal areas, and along Saipan’s southern shallow waters and coastlines.

• Read more about Removing Typhoon Debris From Land and Sea in the CNMI

Tags Pacific Islands removal emergency response

Removing Typhoon Debris From Land and Sea in the CNMI Shanelle.Naone Thu, 02/16/2023 - 11:00

More than four years after the destructive forces of Typhoon Yutu ripped through Tinian and Saipan, its remnants continue to degrade natural habitats and attractions that jeopardize tourism and economic growth in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The Mariana Islands Nature Alliance and its partners are continuing marine debris removal activities and marine habitat restoration in the waters and surrounding coastal areas of Tinian Harbor, northern coastal areas, and along Saipan’s southern shallow waters and coastlines.

• Read more about Removing Typhoon Debris From Land and Sea in the CNMI

Tags Pacific Islands removal emergency response

New Report: Recycling Opportunities for Abandoned, Derelict, and End-of-Life Recreational Vessels neil.mccoy Wed, 02/08/2023 - 11:00

The NOAA Marine Debris Program is pleased to share a report on Recycling Opportunities for Abandoned, Derelict, and End-of-Life Recreational Vessels. Section 136 of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act (P.L. 116-224) required a study to determine the feasibility of developing a nationwide vessel recycling program, using a pilot project in Rhode Island as a model. The report was created by the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association Foundation, in partnership with the NOAA Marine Debris Program and National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, in order to summarize that study.

• Read more about New Report: Recycling Opportunities for Abandoned, Derelict, and End-of-Life Recreational Vessels
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Tags ADVs Northeast recycling report

New Report: Recycling Opportunities for Abandoned, Derelict, and End-of-Life Recreational Vessels neil.mccoy Wed, 02/08/2023 - 11:00

The NOAA Marine Debris Program is pleased to share a report on Recycling Opportunities for Abandoned, Derelict, and End-of-Life Recreational Vessels. Section 136 of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act (P.L. 116-224) required a study to determine the feasibility of developing a nationwide vessel recycling program, using a pilot project in Rhode Island as a model. The report was created by the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association Foundation, in partnership with the NOAA Marine Debris Program and National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, in order to summarize that study.

• Read more about New Report: Recycling Opportunities for Abandoned, Derelict, and End-of-Life Recreational Vessels
• 6 comments

Tags ADVs Northeast recycling report

A mass of derelict fishing gear that was removed from a coral reef in Kaneohe Bay, Hawai‘i (Credit: Rachel Sandquist).

In This Issue 2022 Accomplishments Report  Marine Debris in the Pacific A Debris Free Florida Reducing Single-Use Plastics on College Campuses Marine Debris Tournament Making a Big Impact Marine Debris and Wildlife Entanglement Quick Links Marine Debris Website
Marine Debris Blog
Monitoring Toolbox
In Your Region
ADV InfoHub
Clearinghouse Monitoring Toolbox

The NOAA Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project has an updated Monitoring Toolbox! Check out the new video tutorials and database visualization tools, along with refreshed guides and field datasheets. The Monitoring Toolbox contains all of the resources you need to get started.

Learn more

2023 Marine Debris Calendar Available Online

The 2023 Marine Debris Calendar is available for download! This year’s calendar features artwork from thirteen students in kindergarten through eighth grade from nine states and two U.S. territories, all winners of the “Keep the Sea Free of Debris” art contest.

Learn More

Want to hear more from the NOAA MDP? Follow us on: @NOAAMarineDebris @NOAADebris @NOAADebris Website & Blog The NOAA Marine Debris Program 2022 Accomplishments Report is Now Available!

The NOAA Marine Debris Program is proud to present our 2022 Accomplishments Report. The report is a snapshot of the work of the Marine Debris Program and our partners throughout the fiscal year. Although the problem of marine debris continues to present challenges for wildlife, habitats, and people across the United States and around the world, the community working to solve this global problem is stronger than ever. We are proud to be a part of this community and contribute to solutions as the United States Government’s lead on the issue of marine debris.

Learn More

Meeting the Marine Debris Problem with Perseverance in the Pacific

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund regularly conducts net patrols and cleanups to remove large-scale debris including nets (Credit: Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund).

Marine debris of all types continue to be a problem for island communities across the Pacific. Despite the marine debris problem in the Pacific, dedicated organizations and ocean stewards are working on projects to remove derelict fishing gear, clean up typhoon debris, offer alternatives to commonly used single-use plastic items, and much more. The NOAA Marine Debris Program is proud to support these partners and projects throughout the Pacific Islands region.

Learn More

New Year, Same Goal: A Debris Free Florida

A dive team returning to shore after a marine debris cleanup for the Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys project (Credit: Sean Davis).

Throughout the year, the NOAA Marine Debris Program will spotlight each region for an entire month. Take a look back at the Florida projects we highlighted in January.

Florida is unique as the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. No matter where you are in the state, you’re never more than 60 miles from the nearest body of water. It also means that the daily choices and activities of Florida’s residents and visitors can easily lead to debris in our coastal and marine habitats. Luckily, our partners across the region are kicking off the New Year with renewed energy and effort in leading marine debris removal and prevention projects to keep Florida’s waters healthy and free of debris.

Learn More

Reducing Single-Use Plastics on College Campuses

Eckerd College students sorting through debris collected during a beach clean-up (Credit: Angelina Kossoff).

Eckerd College, located along the sunny coast of the Gulf of Mexico, has been working hard to reduce single-use plastic consumption on campus for years. Following a successful NOAA Marine Debris Program prevention grant focused on reducing single-use plastic at Eckerd, the Reduce Single-Use Project teamed up with the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. On both campuses the team has encouraged college students to rely less on plastics through events, beach cleanups, and even an app.

Learn More

Traveling Marine Debris Tournament Making a Big Impact

A happy airboater returns with a full load of ghost traps during a Ghost Trap Rodeo event (Credit: Ocean Aid 360).

Since our very first event in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Ocean Aid 360 Ghost Trap Rodeo, which resembles an all-ages fishing tournament with prizes, has engaged 1,085 volunteers in 22 events, from the Florida Panhandle to Key West and the Bahamas. Over that time, these participating boaters, anglers, paddlers, and beachcombers have helped Ocean Aid 360 find and remove over 162,000 pounds of marine debris, including 2,591 derelict crab and lobster traps left abandoned during seasonal closures.

Learn More

Marine Debris and Wildlife Entanglement

A crew hauls a tangle of fishing nets into a boat at Pearl and Hermes Atoll during a cleanup in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (Credit: NOAA).

Later this month we're celebrating World Whale Day, and we want to highlight that whales are one of the many kinds of wildlife that are impacted by marine debris. Nets, ropes, and other derelict fishing gear that are abandoned or lost at sea pose a serious threat. When animals are caught in marine debris it can be difficult to swim and feed, cut into their bodies, and potentially lead to death. Learn more about marine debris and wildlife entanglement.

Learn More

 

NOAA Marine Debris Program   |   https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/   |   2023

1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Contact us at marinedebris.web@noaa.gov

Meeting the Marine Debris Problem with Perseverance in the Pacific Shanelle.Naone Wed, 02/01/2023 - 11:00

Marine debris of all types continue to be a problem for island communities across the Pacific. Derelict fishing gear entangles important wildlife and damages coral reefs. Despite the marine debris problem in the Pacific, dedicated organizations and ocean stewards are working on projects to remove derelict fishing gear, clean up typhoon debris, offer alternatives to commonly used single-use plastic items, and much more. The NOAA Marine Debris Program is proud to support these partners and projects throughout the Pacific Islands region.

• Read more about Meeting the Marine Debris Problem with Perseverance in the Pacific
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Tags Pacific Islands removal prevention

Reducing Single-Use Plastics on College Campuses neil.mccoy Mon, 01/30/2023 - 11:00

Eckerd College, located along the sunny coast of the Gulf of Mexico, has been working hard to reduce single-use plastic consumption on campus for years. Following a successful NOAA Marine Debris Program prevention grant focused on reducing single-use plastic at Eckerd, the Reduce Single-Use Project teamed up with the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. On both campuses the team has encouraged college students to rely less on plastics through events, beach cleanups, and even an app.

• Read more about Reducing Single-Use Plastics on College Campuses
• 1 comment

Tags prevention education Southeast

Reducing Single-Use Plastics on College Campuses neil.mccoy Mon, 01/30/2023 - 11:00

Eckerd College, located along the sunny coast of the Gulf of Mexico, has been working hard to reduce single-use plastic consumption on campus for years. Following a successful NOAA Marine Debris Program prevention grant focused on reducing single-use plastic at Eckerd, the Reduce Single-Use Project teamed up with the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. On both campuses the team has encouraged college students to rely less on plastics through events, beach cleanups, and even an app.

• Read more about Reducing Single-Use Plastics on College Campuses
• 1 comment

Tags Florida prevention education

Reducing Single-Use Plastics on College Campuses neil.mccoy Mon, 01/30/2023 - 11:00

Eckerd College, located along the sunny coast of the Gulf of Mexico, has been working hard to reduce single-use plastic consumption on campus for years. Following a successful NOAA Marine Debris Program prevention grant focused on reducing single-use plastic at Eckerd, the Reduce Single-Use Project teamed up with the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. On both campuses the team has encouraged college students to rely less on plastics through events, beach cleanups, and even an app.

• Read more about Reducing Single-Use Plastics on College Campuses
• 1 comment

Tags Florida prevention education

Traveling Marine Debris Tournament Making a Big Impact neil.mccoy Wed, 01/25/2023 - 11:00

Since our very first event in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Ocean Aid 360 Ghost Trap Rodeo, which resembles an all-ages fishing tournament with prizes, has engaged 1,085 volunteers in 22 events, from the Florida Panhandle to Key West and the Bahamas. Over that time, these participating boaters, anglers, paddlers, and beachcombers have helped Ocean Aid 360 find and remove over 162,000 pounds of marine debris, including 2,591 derelict crab and lobster traps left abandoned during seasonal closures.

• Read more about Traveling Marine Debris Tournament Making a Big Impact
• 2 comments

Tags removal derelict fishing gear derelict crab pots Fishing for Energy Southeast

Traveling Marine Debris Tournament Making a Big Impact neil.mccoy Wed, 01/25/2023 - 11:00

Since our very first event in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Ocean Aid 360 Ghost Trap Rodeo, which resembles an all-ages fishing tournament with prizes, has engaged 1,085 volunteers in 22 events, from the Florida Panhandle to Key West and the Bahamas. Over that time, these participating boaters, anglers, paddlers, and beachcombers have helped Ocean Aid 360 find and remove over 162,000 pounds of marine debris, including 2,591 derelict crab and lobster traps left abandoned during seasonal closures.

• Read more about Traveling Marine Debris Tournament Making a Big Impact
• 2 comments

Tags removal derelict fishing gear derelict crab pots Fishing for Energy Florida

Derelict vessels piled up along the shore in Boot Key Harbor, Florida, following Hurricane Irma (Credit: NOAA).

In This Issue Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund Awards Working Toward a Debris Free Florida in the New Year Celebrate MLK Service Day Making Progress on Marine Debris in the Mid-Atlantic Capturing Debris and Inspiring Action in the Mid-Atlantic Removing Derelict Crab Pots from Delaware’s Inland Bays Marine Debris Impacts on Wildlife Quick Links Marine Debris Website
Marine Debris Blog
Monitoring Toolbox
In Your Region
ADV InfoHub
Clearinghouse Monitoring Toolbox

The NOAA Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project has an updated Monitoring Toolbox! Check out the new video tutorials and database visualization tools, along with refreshed guides and field datasheets. The Monitoring Toolbox contains all of the resources you need to get started.

Learn more

2023 Marine Debris Calendar Available Online

The 2023 Marine Debris Calendar is available for download! This year’s calendar features artwork from thirteen students in kindergarten through eighth grade from nine states and two U.S. territories, all winners of the “Keep the Sea Free of Debris” art contest.

Learn More

Want to hear more from the NOAA MDP? Follow us on: @NOAAMarineDebris @NOAADebris @NOAADebris Website & Blog 2022 Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund Awards

Damaged vessels and other marine debris were left in the wake of Hurricane Sally in coastal Alabama (Credit: NOAA).

Following a competitive review process, the NOAA Marine Debris Program and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation are pleased to announce the five recipients of the 2022 Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund. The awards will go to Gulf of Mexico states impacted by the 2020 and 2021 hurricane seasons, totaling approximately $1.6 million in federal funds. Federal funding is supplemented by grantee matching contributions, bringing the total investment of these marine debris projects to approximately $2.4 million.

Learn More

New Year, Same Goal: A Debris Free Florida

A dive team returning to shore after a marine debris cleanup for the Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys project (Credit: Sean Davis).

Florida is unique as the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. No matter where you are in the state, you’re never more than 60 miles from the nearest body of water. It also means that the daily choices and activities of Florida’s residents and visitors can easily lead to debris in our coastal and marine habitats. Luckily, our partners across the region are kicking off the New Year with renewed energy and effort in leading marine debris removal and prevention projects to keep Florida’s waters healthy and free of debris.

Learn More

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Day by Joining a Neighborhood or Shoreline Cleanup

Volunteers cleaning up bottles and other trash at an event in Washington, D.C. (Credit: NOAA).

This month, on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, let’s remember that it’s not just a day off from work and school, but a day to think about what it means for our country. To commemorate a great man who spent his life serving others, this day has become a time to come together to give back to our communities and volunteer our time to a good cause. If you’d like to participate in MLK Day of Service, consider doing a cleanup in your area. Cleaning up your local shoreline or even just your neighborhood can help prevent trash from becoming marine debris and can help to create a healthy ocean that we can all enjoy. Learn more about how you can help.

Making Progress on Marine Debris in the Mid-Atlantic

A derelict vessel being successfully removed from New Jersey’s Weehawken Cove (Credit: Courtesy of the City of Hoboken).

Throughout the year, the NOAA Marine Debris Program will spotlight each region for an entire month. Take a look back at the Mid-Atlantic projects we highlighted in December.

The Mid-Atlantic coast of the United States is a large, dynamic, and diverse place. Home to over 10,000 miles of coastline and spanning from Virginia to New York, it features major metropolitan areas, iconic coastal bays and estuaries, and an incredible array of wildlife and habitats. Unfortunately, seemingly everywhere we turn, marine debris can also be found. Debris litters the Mid-Atlantic waterways and coastlines, entangles and captures wildlife, scars habitats, and harms the regional economy.

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Capturing Debris and Inspiring Action Along the Anacostia River

A litter trap installed in a tributary of the Anacostia River captures debris before it gets any further downstream (Credit: NOAA).

The Anacostia River has a long and important history. Today, the Anacostia River watershed is home to more than 800,000 people, encompassing portions of Washington, DC, and Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties in Maryland. Unfortunately, each year hundreds of tons of trash from surrounding lands makes its way into the river. Nearby communities have been working hard to address this problem, and help guide overall reductions in trash and litter entering the river.

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Mapping, Marking, and Mobilizing to Remove Derelict Fishing Gear from Delaware’s Inland Bays

A researcher locates derelict recreational crab pots using side-scan sonar (Credit: University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment).

The shallow, protected habitats of Delaware’s Inland Bays make for one of the most popular areas in the state for residents and tourists to try their hands at catching blue crabs. In boats or on the shore, recreational crabbers use all kinds of gear, from hand lines, to trot lines, to small traps with collapsible sides, and the Chesapeake style crab pot. Unfortunately, thousands of derelict crab pots have been left behind or lost, and are littered beneath the surface of the Inland Bays. The University of Delaware and Delaware Sea Grant, with funding from the NOAA Marine Debris Program, worked to address the issue by teaming up with recreational crabbers to remove derelict pots. 

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The Impacts of Marine Debris when Ingested by Wildlife

During a cleanup in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, a team removes marine debris from where juvenile laysan albatross are nesting (Photo: NOAA).

Today is National Bird Day, and we want to highlight that seabirds are one of the many kinds of wildlife that are impacted by marine debris. Plastics and other debris can be found in even the most remote places, including far-off islands where seabirds find shelter, breeding grounds, and food. When seabirds encounter plastic items in their environment, they can mistake them for food. Learn more about what happens when wildlife eat, or ingest, marine debris.

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NOAA Marine Debris Program   |   https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/   |   2023

1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Contact us at marinedebris.web@noaa.gov

New Year, Same Goal: A Debris Free Florida neil.mccoy Wed, 01/04/2023 - 11:00

Florida is unique as the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. No matter where you are in the state, you’re never more than 60 miles from the nearest body of water. It also means that the daily choices and activities of Florida’s residents and visitors can easily lead to debris in our coastal and marine habitats. Luckily, our partners across the region are kicking off the New Year with renewed energy and effort in leading marine debris removal and prevention projects to keep Florida’s waters healthy and free of debris.

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Tags prevention removal derelict fishing gear Southeast