The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Debris Program is pleased to release the “Guam Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide” (Guide). This Guide aims to improve preparedness for responding to marine debris after typhoons and other disasters in the territory, such as Typhoon Mawar, which impacted the island in 2023.
Marine debris ends up in the ocean every day as a result of littering and poor waste management. The territory of Guam experiences a high number of typhoons, and is located in an area of the Pacific Ocean often called “Typhoon Alley.” During disasters, large amounts of debris enter waterways all at once. Disaster-related debris can include abandoned and derelict vessels, construction and demolition debris, and household hazardous waste, among other types of debris. It can be a danger to boat traffic, damage habitat, and even release pollution.
To prepare for these impacts, the NOAA Marine Debris Program works with coastal states and territories to develop response guidance documents. The Guam Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide describes how all levels of government and other organizations work together after disasters to respond to marine debris. The Guide identifies organization roles and responsibilities as they relate to marine debris response. Its development is a product of a collaborative process with local organizations and community participation. We are proud to have worked with local stakeholders to create this important tool.
Check out this Guide as well as Guides from other regions on our website.