Marine Debris in

Florida & the Caribbean

ADV grounding on hardbottom resources in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

The NOAA Marine Debris Program works with partners in Florida and the Caribbean on marine debris projects, including assessing regional needs, removal efforts, developing and implementing prevention strategies and action plans, and education and outreach.

A beach littered with plastic debris.
Current Projects
Derelict traps after Hurricane Irma.
Reports and Materials
Wood and vessel debris on a shoreline.

Hot Topics

Abandoned and Derelict Vessel information for states in the Florida & the Caribbean region:

Florida
Puerto Rico
US Virgin Islands
Derelict vessel being removed after Hurricane Michael
Boat filled with derelict fishing gear.
Exhibitor tent and fishing supplies.
Man sitting on the bow of a boat.
Man standing in front of a crowd.
Chair covered in barnacles and other growth.
A volunteer records data on a beach in Puerto Rico.
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Image Gallery

People with their head in a fake shark mouth at an outreach event.

Blog

Why anglers should care about ghost fishing and abandoned and derelict crab traps. Produced by Ocean Aid 360 and Roundhouse Creative Studio supported by a NOAA MDP community-based removal grant.

Video

Regional Coordinator

Currently vacant

Florida and the Caribbean Collaboration Portal

Funded Partners in the Region

Coastal Cleanup Corporation
Coral Bay Community Council
LagoonKeepers.org
Protectores de Cuencas
University of the Virgin Islands
Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources
Ocean Aid 360
Eckerd College
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources
FAQs
How can I obtain funding for a marine debris project?

The NOAA Marine Debris Program offers several nationwide, competitive funding opportunities for marine debris projects. These include: marine debris removal grants; prevention through education and outreach grants; and research grants. Learn more about these opportunities.