Do Something About Marine Debris

Do Something About Marine Debris For Kids and Families

  • 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.

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

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