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Monthly Archives April 2024

Special Funding Opportunity: Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund

Posted Tue, 04/23/2024 - 09:43
A half sunken vessel that crashed into a marina walkway surrounded by caution tape and debris.

With funding from the NOAA Marine Debris Program, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is seeking applications for approximately $6 million in grants to remove marine debris from impacted coastal areas. The program will primarily fund marine debris assessment, removal, restoration, and disposal activities in coastal communities in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina. Projects will prevent further damage to sensitive coastal habitats and species and reduce the impacts of marine debris on properties, community infrastructure, assets of economic importance, and navigation safety.

Tags
funding opportunities
removal
grants

Breaking Down Plastic Facts and Myths for Earth Day

Posted Mon, 04/22/2024 - 09:27
A wave crashing on shore into a pile of marine debris (Photo: Parilov via Adobe Stock).

Happy Earth Day from the NOAA Marine Debris Program! This week, also known as Earth Week, is centered around the theme of “Planet vs. Plastic”. As the U.S. Federal government’s lead for addressing marine debris, we compiled everything you need to know about plastic and its effects on the planet. There is a lot of information out there and we are “breaking down” some facts and common myths about plastic and marine debris. 

Tags
plastics
microplastics
recycling
garbage patch
Kuaihelani: Taking a Closer Look at Marine Debris within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument emily.greene Tue, 04/16/2024 - 19:36
An aerial photograph of the barrier reef of the Midway Atoll.

Kuaihelani, meaning “the backbone of heaven,” describes a mythical floating island in the sky, possibly originating from the large lagoons that reflect the sky. This atoll is a Wildlife Refuge and part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The monument is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world to be classified for its cultural and ecological importance. Still, it’s also impacted by the large fishing nets, plastics, and other debris that wash up on its shores. This debris can significantly impact the atoll's wildlife and habitats, and its removal is a critical part of protecting the health and cultural heritage of this area.

Tags
removal
NWHI
Congratulations to Our 2024 Art Contest Winners! madison.piascik Mon, 04/15/2024 - 11:15
A colored pencil drawing of a hand reaching into the ocean amid sea creatures holding signs with "no littering" messages on them, artwork by Anika A. (Grade 4, Washington), winner of the Annual NOAA Marine Debris Program Art Contest.

We are pleased to announce the winners of the Annual NOAA Marine Debris Program Art Contest! We received many colorful, creative, and informative entries from around the country, and although we wish we could showcase them all, we are excited to share the winners of this year’s contest with you.

Tags
art contest
art
education
Special Funding Opportunity: Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention Program madison.piascik Mon, 04/15/2024 - 08:07
A pile of derelict fishing gear tangled together on a shoreline.

We are pleased to announce with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, a request for proposals under the Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program. With funding from the NOAA Marine Debris Program provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science will award up to $1,475,000 in grants to remove derelict fishing traps throughout coastal waterways of the United States while collecting data to prevent future gear loss.

Tags
derelict fishing gear
derelict crab pots
funding opportunities
grants
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

2024 Ocean Odyssey Marine Debris Awards for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility

Posted Wed, 04/03/2024 - 16:04
A group of volunteers picking up plastic marine debris on a sandy beach.

Following a competitive review process, the NOAA Marine Debris Program and National Marine Sanctuary Foundation are pleased to announce the 12 recipients of the Ocean Odyssey Fiscal Year 2024 Marine Debris Awards for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility (DEIJA). Learn more about the award recipients!

Tags
funding opportunities
All The Tools You Need To Tackle Marine Debris madison.piascik Wed, 04/03/2024 - 13:52
Two volunteers sorting through miscellaneous marine debris items and classifying types on a datasheet.

The NOAA Marine Debris Program has all of the tools to engage partners and volunteers around the world to survey and record the amount and types of marine debris on shorelines.

Public participation in science goes by many names (“citizen science,” “community science,” and “volunteer monitoring” to name a  few) and takes many forms. Through the NOAA Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project (MDMAP), the NOAA Marine Debris Program partners with the public to conduct surveys. These surveys are valuable scientific tools that are used to identify ways to prevent and track progress toward reduction of marine debris. Conducting a marine debris survey is also an engaging and empowering way to gain firsthand experience with the issue, while collecting authentic scientific data!

Tags
Citizen Science
monitoring
shoreline monitoring
MDMAP