Marine Debris Prevention and Removal in Yakutat, Alaska

This project was funded through the 2020 United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) Implementation Act (P.L. 116-113), which provided the NOAA Marine Debris Program funding to prevent and reduce marine debris in the North American region. Chapter 24 of the USMCA includes specific environmental goals that highlight the need to take action to prevent and reduce marine debris, including plastic litter and microplastics, in order to preserve human health and marine and coastal ecosystems, prevent the loss of biodiversity, and mitigate the costs and impacts of marine debris. This project was awarded competitively and meets the environment goals of the USMCA by removing marine debris from shorelines in Alaska.

The City and Borough of Yakutat, Alaska, worked with the local community to remove marine debris from 50 miles of shoreline and build local awareness of the problem.

Type of Project: North America Marine Debris Prevention and Removal

Region: Alaska

Project Dates: October 2021 - September 2023

Who was involved?

This project brought together a group of local and regional organizations, led by the City and Borough of Yakutat and supported by the NOAA Marine Debris Program, to remove marine debris from 50 miles of shoreline. Yakutat Tlingit tribes and the local police department provided local expertise and project support. In addition, the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service continued their history of local marine debris removal support by providing operational support and guidance for this project.

What was the project and why is it important?

The city of Yakutat sits at the northeastern corner of the Gulf of Alaska. The remote, flat, and sandy beaches that characterize this part of Alaska have led it to be called “The Lost Coast.” Marine debris from local and far off sources wash up and are stranded on these beaches, often in large volumes.

This project, a collaboration of multiple partners led by the City and Borough of Yakutat, worked to remove debris from over 50 miles of shorelines spread across 5 different operational areas. The removed debris was transported to Yakutat for sorting, categorizing, and weighing in order to better understand the types and amount of debris that are common in the region, and to allow for recycling or reuse of items wherever possible. Throughout the project the partners worked to build local awareness of the removal efforts and outcomes by utilizing local radio and media, as well as engaging communities through local public events and school presentations.

What were the results? 

Over the course of two field seasons, the project team removed over 21,000 pounds of marine debris from over 2,200 acres of shoreline. This included cleanups based from the town of Yakutat, as well as cleanups based from field camps across the region where volunteers camped out together, conducting cleanups each day. Collected debris was removed in a range of ways, using local capacity and knowledge to get the debris back to Yakutat for sorting and disposal. That included, jet boats, all-terrain vehicles, helicopters, and even a large cargo plane that landed on the beach. Once the debris was back in Yakutat, it was sorted to better understand the types of debris that are arriving in the area, and also allow for the maximum amount to be recycled. Of the 21,000 pounds of marine debris removed, over 17,000 pounds was recycled. Building on the lessons learned, the project team also designed and installed signage in the local community to educate on the issue of debris and actions people can take to help.

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