prevention

We are pleased to announce, with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a Request for Proposals for the Ocean Odyssey Marine Debris Prevention Awards for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility (DEIJA). With funding from the NOAA Marine Debris Program, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation will award 10-15 grants, totaling up to $100,000 for this funding competition. Individual awards will range between $5,000 and $10,000 to support initiatives that prevent the adverse impacts of marine debris in communities that are underserved, underrepresented, or overburdened by marine debris. These projects may include marine debris prevention, education, and outreach activities. 

Marine debris of all types continue to be a problem for island communities across the Pacific. Derelict fishing gear entangles important wildlife and damages coral reefs. Despite the marine debris problem in the Pacific, dedicated organizations and ocean stewards are working on projects to remove derelict fishing gear, clean up typhoon debris, offer alternatives to commonly used single-use plastic items, and much more. The NOAA Marine Debris Program is proud to support these partners and projects throughout the Pacific Islands region.

Eckerd College, located along the sunny coast of the Gulf of Mexico, has been working hard to reduce single-use plastic consumption on campus for years. Following a successful NOAA Marine Debris Program prevention grant focused on reducing single-use plastic at Eckerd, the Reduce Single-Use Project teamed up with the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. On both campuses the team has encouraged college students to rely less on plastics through events, beach cleanups, and even an app.

Florida is unique as the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. No matter where you are in the state, you’re never more than 60 miles from the nearest body of water. It also means that the daily choices and activities of Florida’s residents and visitors can easily lead to debris in our coastal and marine habitats. Luckily, our partners across the region are kicking off the New Year with renewed energy and effort in leading marine debris removal and prevention projects to keep Florida’s waters healthy and free of debris.

The Mid-Atlantic coast of the United States is a large, dynamic, and diverse place. Home to over 10,000 miles of coastline and spanning from Virginia to New York, it features major metropolitan areas, iconic coastal bays and estuaries, and an incredible array of wildlife and habitats. Unfortunately, seemingly everywhere we turn, marine debris can also be found. Debris litters the Mid-Atlantic waterways and coastlines, entangles and captures wildlife, scars habitats, and harms the regional economy.

Fall has finally arrived here in the Southeast, bringing cooler temperatures after a long, brutally hot summer. Gone (for now) are cleanup days of sweat and sunblock-drenched clothes and bags that stick to your skin. This means tackling marine debris just became a little more enjoyable and a lot less sweaty! While you’re out enjoying these beautiful, crisp days, you may see our partners in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina out and about taking on the marine debris issue head-on. We’re excited to highlight some of their marine debris prevention and removal efforts.

The Aleut Community of Saint Paul Island Tribal Government has been actively tackling marine debris issues over the last two decades to protect the marine ecosystem around St. Paul Island. St. Paul Island is part of the Pribilof Islands, which are centrally situated in the eastern Bering Sea in Alaska. The waters surrounding the Pribilof Islands support globally significant populations of marine mammals and birds, and are also central to some of the most valuable commercial fisheries in the world. The St. Paul Island community comprises approximately 350-400 residents, all of whom are deeply connected to the marine ecosystem and act as critical environmental stewards for their home.