Marine Debris in the Southeast

The Southeast region features a variety of coastal environments, transitioning from temperate salt marshes to expansive mangrove forests, productive seagrass beds, and the only living barrier coral reef in the continental United States.  These ecosystems support vital commercial fisheries and a thriving tourism economy, serving as the backbone for millions living in coastal communities. Unfortunately, marine debris not only spoils the beauty of Southeast coastlines, it also creates health and safety hazards, threatens the boating and fishing community, degrades wildlife habitat, and impacts the economy.

The Southeast region features a variety of coastal environments, transitioning from temperate salt marshes to expansive mangrove forests, productive seagrass beds, and the only living barrier coral reef in the continental United States.  These ecosystems support vital commercial fisheries and a thriving tourism economy, serving as the backbone for millions living in coastal communities. Unfortunately, marine debris not only spoils the beauty of Southeast coastlines, it also creates health and safety hazards, threatens the boating and fishing community, degrades wildlife habitat, and impacts the economy.

In partnership with local agencies, non-governmental organizations, and coastal and fishing communities, the NOAA Marine Debris Program aims to prevent and reduce marine debris in the Southeast through prevention, research, and removal projects, as well as response to severe storms.