Marine debris collected in a cleanup by Girl Scouts.

For Kids and Families

Check out our activities and resources for the whole family to inspire curiosity and stewardship at all ages.

See Also:
For Students
For Adults and Professionals
For Educators

  • Additional Resources

    Looking for more? Explore these additional resources for kids and families.

    Photos

    A crab entangled in a yellow net.
    Check out our photo gallery for images of marine debris types, sources, solutions, research, prevention, and impacts.

    Posters

    Part of a Garbage Patches poster.
    Our poster collection is available to help spread awareness of marine debris and highlight some of the most important issues we’re trying to address through prevention, removal, and research.

  • Do Something About Marine Debris

    Marine debris is a problem caused by people, but it also has human solutions. Those solutions can start with you! Learn more about things you can do to keep our sea free of debris.

    At Home

    A pile of old tooth brushes.
    The first step to solving a problem is learning more about it. Learn what you can do to create change at home.

    Annual NOAA Marine Debris Program Art Contest and Calendar

    A drawing of a coral reef full of sea creatures and trash, with an octopus at the top holding two signs reading "We need clean water to thrive" and "Our home is not your garbage can," artwork by Sahini K. (Grade 6, Florida), winner of the Annual NOAA Marine Debris Program Art Contest.
    The 2025 Marine Debris Calendar is now available for download! Learn more about the annual NOAA Marine Debris Art Contest.

    At the Store

    A cloth bag filled with apples and zucchini, a glass jar of milk, a glass container of lentils, and a glass jar of walnuts sitting on a wooden table.
    The first step to solving a problem is learning more about it. Learn what you can do to create change while you shop.

    Collecting Marine Debris Data

    Volunteers cleaning up marine debris along a shoreline covered in logs.
    Interested in citizen science efforts but not sure where to start? This easy-to-use app will help you collect and analyze data about marine debris in your area. The Marine Debris Tracker App is managed by the University of Georgia.

  • Learn About Marine Debris

    What is marine debris? Where does it come from? How does it affect our ocean and waterways? Find the answers to these and all your marine debris questions here.

    Trash in the Deep

    A food container, seen resting at 4,947 meters on the slopes of a canyon leading to the Sirena Deep.
    During a dive along the Mariana Trench wall, the NOAA Okeanos Explorer team saw multiple pieces of marine debris.

    Marine Debris Blog

    A person removing debris near a large chick on the beach.
    Here you can learn about all things marine debris! Our blog promotes the work of our dedicated partners, announces new marine debris products and events, and shares information on how you can help.

    Activities

    Fish illustration.
    Download an assortment of puzzles, brain-teasers, and coloring activities for Grades 1-12. All activities are available for download and print!

For citation purposes, unless otherwise noted, this article was authored by the NOAA Marine Debris Program.

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