Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project

The Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project, or MDMAP, is NOAA’s flagship initiative to measure the amount and types of marine debris on shorelines. Using this standardized collection method, suite of helpful resources, and publicly available data, participants and volunteers can detect differences in marine debris over time, inspire prevention efforts, and inform education and outreach. MDMAP is also a great opportunity to get outside and get to know your local shorelines!

How big is the marine debris problem, and how is it changing over time? What types of debris are most common in your region? MDMAP survey data can help to answer these questions and can be used to guide marine debris policy development, provide education and outreach, and address important research questions. 

This Toolbox contains resources for both current and new MDMAP partner organizations and volunteers.

New to MDMAP and looking for steps to get started?

  1. Start by reviewing our tutorial series.
  2. Review the protocol documents and field datasheets in this toolbox.
  3. Decide if you want to survey an existing active site, rejuvenate a historical site, or start a new MDMAP site in your area. A map of all existing MDMAP sites can be found here.
  4. Request an account if you’ll be entering data. MDMAP staff will work with you to set up your account.
  5. Reach out to md.monitoring@noaa.gov with any questions.
  6. Begin surveying!

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The collection of MDMAP information is authorized under the OMB Control Number included in the Citizen Science & Crowdsourcing Information Collection page.

Monitoring Toolbox:

Process map for surveys.

Tutorials

Start by viewing our tutorial series, available in English and Spanish. These four short training videos introduce participants to MDMAP and how to conduct a survey. Use them to get started, refresh your skills, or to train new team members. These videos complement the Shoreline Survey Guide and Item Categorization Guide, also found here.

Two people measuring distance on a beach.

Protocol Documents and Field Datasheets

Visit our collection of Protocol Documents and Field Datasheets for resources to help you complete a shoreline survey.

Aerial map of survey location.

Enter Data

Create an account to enter data collected using the MDMAP method by clicking on Log in /Register.

Color coded graph of types of marine debris.

Explore Data

Explore data on MDMAP without logging in by clicking the “visualize” button and using the search bar to filter results. Download data by clicking the “export button.” Access documentation and the API by clicking ‘About MDMAP'.

A group of lined people up on the beach.

Guide for Educators

A Guide to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project for Educators
A collection of sorted beach debris.

Item Categorization Gallery

If you don’t know how to record an item found during a survey, try searching our Monitoring Photo Gallery for help classifying unique items.

On a beach, a man is instructing volunteers.

MDMAP FAQs

Have a question about the MDMAP? Visit Frequently Asked Questions page.

A volunteer graphs the results of marine debris surveys on a wall poster.

How Are MDMAP Data Used?

See examples of how MDMAP data are used in peer-reviewed publications, marine debris prevention projects, reports, and student projects that incorporate MDMAP data.

Man collecting debris on sandy beach with albatross nearby.

MDMAP Blog Posts

Blog feed

Last updated Thu, 06/27/2024 - 06:13 pm EDT