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:

  • 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.
    • Garbage Patches
      Oversimplified graphic of "garbage patches" in the North Pacific Ocean.
      What and where are garbage patches, anyway? Find out more about this important marine debris topic.
    • Regional Emmy® Award-Winning TRASH TALK
      Trash Talk
      View our Regional Emmy® Award-winning TRASH TALK video series. Each short video covers a marine debris topic. Here you’ll also find a TRASH TALK Webinar for Educators featuring fun and informative activities to pair with the videos for all age levels.
    • 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!
    • 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.
    • Prince George’s County Clean and Beautiful Activity Books
      Cover of Prince George’s County Clean and Beautiful activity book.
      Kids of all ages can learn about marine debris with these colorful, character-focused activity books from Prince George’s County, Maryland.
    • 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.
    • Videos
      Marine debris videos.
      Watch videos for information on marine debris and NOAA’s work to address it.
    • Discover Marine Debris
      underwater photo looking up through marine debris floating on the surface.
      You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Explore some of the most frequently asked questions and topics related to marine debris.

  • 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
      Artwork of a colorful mermaid and ocean life surrounded by grey debris.
      The 2023 Marine Debris Calendar is now available for download! Learn more about the annual NOAA Marine Debris Art Contest.
    • Marine Debris Tracker App
      Kids on the beach are picking up debris.
      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.
    • At the Store
      Groceries and a reusable cloth grocery bag.
      The first step to solving a problem is learning more about it. Learn what you can do to create change while you shop.

  • Additional Resources

    Looking for more? Explore these additional resources for kids and families.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • Fact Sheets
      Part of a Microplastics fact sheet.
      Download and print fast information on marine debris, storm preparedness, and other hot topics.
    • Artwork
      Sea turtle.
      Explore drawings, paintings, sculptures, and more created by students and stewards spreading awareness and seeking change for marine debris.
    • In Your Region
      A map of the regions of the NOAA Marine Debris Program.
      Marine debris impacts every U.S. coastal state and territory. Find state or region-specific information on current marine debris projects and activities.