The NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP) is pleased to share the 2023-2028 Puerto Rico Strategic Plan to Reduce Aquatic Debris. This document, available in Spanish and English, is the result of a collaborative effort between the NOAA MDP, the U.S. EPA Region 2 and Trash Free Waters Program, and organizations across Puerto Rico, and represents a stakeholder-led effort to guide aquatic and marine debris actions in Puerto Rico.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Debris Program is pleased to announce its Fiscal Year 2024 Notices of Funding Opportunity for both Marine Debris Removal and Interception Technologies under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These two funding opportunities include the availability up to $28 million across the competitions and allow NOAA to support impactful, large marine debris removal projects, as well as the installation of proven marine debris interception technologies, throughout the coastal United States, Great Lakes, territories, and Freely Associated States. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Debris Program is pleased to release the “Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide” (Guide). This Guide is the first published for the Pacific Region and aims to improve preparedness for responding to marine debris after typhoons and other disasters in the Commonwealth, such as Typhoon Mawar, which impacted the Commonwealth in late May.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Debris Program is pleased to release the “New York Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide”. The Guide is a product of a collaborative process with state and federal agencies. The Guide aims to improve preparedness for responding to marine debris after hurricanes and other disasters in New York’s coastal areas, including the Great Lakes region.

Following a highly competitive review process, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program is pleased to announce the 14 recommended recipients of our NOAA Marine Debris Removal awards for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023, totaling over $69 million in federal funding for marine debris removal. Funding for this opportunity was provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and leveraged funds from the Inflation Reduction Act.

The NOAA Marine Debris Program supports various partners involved in marine debris research, prevention, and removal throughout California. Local universities, nonprofits, and state and federal agencies make up the many hands that are addressing microplastics, single-use plastics, fishing gear, and large-scale marine debris, such as abandoned and derelict vessels. From up north, to down south, and across shared border communities, these partners and their efforts create a comprehensive response to California’s marine debris issues.