Marine Debris in the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest region spans Oregon and Washington, with a combined tidal shoreline of 4,436 miles. Though marine debris comes from both ocean- and land-based activities, most  washing up along the sparsely populated coast of the Pacific Northwest from all across the Pacific Rim. Commercial and recreational fishing along the outer coast, in rivers, and inland waters can result in lost fishing gear, which often requires removal by professional teams, fishers, and divers.   Daily activities can place debris within the region’s vast river system. Dedicated volunteer and local agency efforts remove most of the region’s marine debris. However, marine debris removal can be difficult in remote and largely inaccessible coastal areas. Fall and winter storms bring more debris to beaches and make removal much more challenging. The NOAA Marine Debris Program is proud to work alongside partners to remove, research, and prevent marine debris in the Pacific Northwest.