Caribbean Communities Come Together Against Marine Debris

Posted Tue, 04/26/2022 - 11:00

The picturesque islands in the Caribbean can be considered the perfect dream vacation getaway for many, but this natural paradise isn’t free from the issues of marine debris. Islands in the Caribbean are vulnerable to hurricanes, and communities are often impacted by disaster debris. Other factors, such as a dependence on imported goods and solid waste management challenges, increase the chance of unwanted debris littering their coasts. With the support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program, our partners in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are passionately working to remove existing debris, develop strategies to prevent future marine debris, and create tools that empower communities to take local action.

Marine Debris Program Announces the Inaugural Marine Debris Foundation Board of Directors neil.mccoy Wed, 04/06/2022 - 11:30

The NOAA Marine Debris Program is pleased to announce the inaugural Board of Directors of the new Marine Debris Foundation. NOAA selected twelve individuals to represent diverse points of view, expertise, education, and experiences relating to the assessment, prevention, reduction, and removal of marine debris. This distinguished group will help the Foundation to begin operations and start augmenting federal efforts to address marine debris. 

Shining Light on Marine Debris Efforts in the Sunshine State

Posted Tue, 04/05/2022 - 11:00

Florida, also known as the Sunshine State, is home to the only living barrier reef in the continental United States and over 650 miles of scenic coastlines. Unfortunately, underwater debris, such as lost traps and fishing gear, causes damage to these fragile ecosystems and impacts local fishing, tourism, and recreational industries. The NOAA Marine Debris Program and our partners across the state are working on debris removal and prevention efforts to keep these important ecosystems healthy and free of debris.

Now Available: The Full Salvaging Solutions to Abandoned and Derelict Vessels Webinar Series

Posted Tue, 03/29/2022 - 11:00

Over the past year, experts from across the country shared their experiences, solutions, and lessons learned through our Salvaging Solutions to Abandoned and Derelict Vessels monthly webinar series to help communities facing abandoned and derelict vessel issues. We are pleased to share that the full webinar series is now available on our website. 

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Preventing Cigarette Litter in San Francisco

Posted Tue, 03/15/2022 - 11:00

Much of San Francisco’s beauty comes from its stunning location, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. San Francisco is also the second-most densely populated city in the United States and one of the country’s most-visited destinations. With so many people near so much water, the marine environment is especially vulnerable to all forms of human-made pollution, including cigarette butts, the most littered item in San Francisco and around the world.

The Many Hands of California’s Marine Debris Community

Posted Wed, 03/02/2022 - 11:00

About 70% of Californians believe their ocean and beaches are very important to California’s future and report that plastics and marine debris are a big problem on a coast near them. As a result, organizations, individuals, and volunteers from across the state are contributing an enormous and noble amount of time and energy to make California a national leader on addressing and preventing marine debris.

Working Together to Tackle Marine Debris in the Great Lakes

Posted Wed, 02/02/2022 - 11:00

The Great Lakes region, with its beautiful coastlines, diverse wildlife, and stunning vistas is not immune to marine debris concerns. Fortunately, our numerous partners in the region are hard at work addressing the issues of plastics, fishing gear, abandoned and derelict vessels, and other debris that impact the environment.