Intercepting and Preventing Marine Debris in the Waterways of Savannah, Georgia

Savannah Riverkeeper is addressing waterborne litter that affects Georgia’s Ogeechee and Savannah River watersheds using proven trash interception devices, comprehensive data collection, and community engagement.

Type of Project: Removal

Region: Southeast

Project Dates: October 2024 - March 2028

Who is involved?

With support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, Savannah Riverkeeper is partnering with the Ogeechee Riverkeeper and the City of Savannah to engage students, subsistence fishers, local businesses, and community groups to reduce and prevent waste in Georgia’s coastal waterways. The Osprey Initiative is installing litter interception devices and is cleaning out captured debris. Data collected from this project is informing future waste reduction and marine debris prevention efforts.

What is the project and why is it important?

Marine debris is a critical problem across the country, but it is especially severe in areas with dense populations and limited waste disposal opportunities. Savannah is Georgia’s fourth most populous city, and the largest city in the state directly on the Atlantic Ocean. The Savannah and Ogeechee Rivers run through the city and transport marine debris to the ocean. Litter can clog waterways and reduce stormwater flow, cause flooding, prevent safe public access to commercial and recreational opportunities, harm wildlife, degrade water quality, and negatively impact tourism.

Savannah Riverkeeper is addressing this upstream litter by installing eight trash interception devices, collecting comprehensive data, and engaging the community through outreach and education. Osprey Initiative is deploying, cleaning, and repairing the litter boom devices and recycling and diverting waste where possible. Partners are using debris data collected from the devices to enhance prevention outreach.

Through a collaborative campaign, this project is also educating local schools, businesses, subsistence fishers, civic groups, decision makers, and the general public about marine debris and its impacts on water, wildlife, and human health. Using robust curriculum, coordinated media, targeted outreach, and public events, community members are encouraged to help reduce pollutant loads within both watersheds. Two-way communication is prioritized in all engagement efforts to ensure knowledge exchange and to create community-driven and actionable solutions. 

For more information about this project, visit the Marine Debris Program Clearinghouse.