Take a dive into the NOAA Marine Debris Program’s suite of free resources to help you learn about and take action on marine debris. Find news and applicant resources for our marine debris grant competition, as well as state-by-state contact information and policies for addressing abandoned and derelict vessels. Discover curricula, activities, and fast facts on marine debris to help raise awareness of the problem and support the needs for learners of all ages. Prepare for disasters with marine debris emergency response guides, connect with your marine debris community through action plans, and  check out reports on a wide range of topics.

Two people cleaning up marine debris from a rocky shore.

Funding Opportunities

The NOAA Marine Debris Program offers several nationwide, competitive funding opportunities for marine debris projects. Check out open competitions and access resources to help applicants prepare a strong proposal.
Derelict vessel in Florida

Abandoned and Derelict Vessels Info Hub

Abandoned and derelict vessels litter ports, waterways and estuaries, creating a threat to navigation, recreation, and the environment. This InfoHub was created as a central source of information on ADVs and the policies surrounding them.
Derelict fishing lines, nets, and buoys piled up on a rocky shoreline.

Fact Sheets

Download and print fast information on marine debris, storm preparedness, and other hot topics.
A person holds small debris items collected from Lake Huron in their cupped hands, including food wrappers and a plastic fish.

Curricula

Access disciplinary lesson plans, units, and full curricula designed to support your needs and learning for students of all ages. All curricula and lesson plans are free and available for download and print.
A marine debris crossword activity.

Activities

Download an assortment of puzzles, brain-teasers, coloring activities, and formal curricula for Grades 1-12. All activities are available for download and print.

Vessels piled up on a highway following Hurricane Katrina (Photo Credit: Federal Emergency Management Agency).

Emergency Response Guides

Prepare for and respond to disasters with emergency response guides that improve preparedness and facilitate a coordinated, well-managed, and immediate response to acute waterway debris incidents.

Water bottles in a creek bed.

Regional Action Plans

Voluntary, collaborative efforts that provide a road map for stakeholders across a state or region to address the problem of marine debris.
A diver removing a net from the sea floor in Maro Reef.

Reports

The NOAA Marine Debris Program has a suite of reports for download, including technical memos, topic papers, and workshop summaries.
Plastics and other marine debris mixed with natural debris on a shoreline (Photo Credit: Pulama Lanai).

MDMAP Protocol Documents and Field Datasheets

These documents serve as a library of MDMAP survey protocols, field datasheets, and quick reference guides for completing shoreline site surveys.

NOAA Marine Debris Program e-Newsletter Archive

The NOAA Marine Debris Program monthly e-newsletters are filled with news, announcements, and goings-on for the program and marine debris community. Sign up to stay updated on our projects, accomplishments, and upcoming events.

NOAA Marine Debris Program Education Newsletter Archive

The NOAA Marine Debris Education Newsletter highlights marine debris lessons and educational resources and features upcoming events, art contests, and fun crafts. Subscribe now to start receiving quarterly education newsletters!

Additional Resources

Last updated Wed, 03/13/2024 - 11:33