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Fishery observers haul in marine debris that has been snagged by a longline (Photo: NOAA).
We are pleased to share a recent paper that was published in the journal, Scientific Reports, by our Chief Scientist, Amy V. Uhrin, in collaboration with the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, and Walsh Analytical Service. The paper discusses derelict fishing gear in the Hawaii-based pelagic longline fishery grounds, using NOAA fishery observer data, and is believed to be the first comprehensive analysis of marine debris data gathered as part of a commercial fisheries observation program.
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Check out the new guide!
We are pleased to release the Delaware Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide: Comprehensive Guidance Document, a product of a collaborative process with state and federal agencies. The Guide aims to improve preparedness for response and recovery operations following any natural disaster or event that generates large amounts of marine debris in the Delaware.
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Firework debris, like these plastic plugs, can be left behind after Fourth of July celebrations (Photo: Ellen Anderson).
The Fourth of July may look different this year, but you may still see debris! After a night of celebrating with fireworks, it is not uncommon to find streets, beaches, and lakes littered with the pieces of plastic and cardboard that come with fireworks. Here’s a look back at how our partners have coordinated or volunteered in “Fifth of July cleanups” and how we can use our own broom and dustpan to clean up firework debris.
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Students pulling on gloves to prepare for the necropsy simulation. (Photo: DC Virgo Preparatory Academy, Photo by Jeff Janowski).
Are you looking for fun and creative virtual activities for your network, scouts, students, or families? Our partners at the University of North Carolina Wilmington MarineQuest Turtle Trash Collectors are bringing a virtual program to you this summer! During their hour program, you will virtually participate in a simulated sea turtle dissection, see how trash in the ocean can impact sea turtles, learn how trash can get to the ocean, and how we can all help stop marine debris!
American Samoa Community College student interns meet with Arizona State University instructors and American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency Directors (Photo: Beth Polidoro, Arizona State University, 2018).
Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. In American Samoa, our partners at Arizona State University created education and training opportunities for college students that supported microplastics research, built relationships in their community, and encouraged the next generation of environmental stewards and leaders.
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Plastic and glass bottles on the shoreline of Elliot Key, Florida (Photo: NOAA).
Marine debris on shorelines can make it difficult for sea turtles to lay their eggs and for hatchlings to safely reach the ocean. Our partners at the Coastal Cleanup Corporation took on marine debris in an important nesting habitat and brought the turtles back to Biscayne Bay, Florida.
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A Hawaiian monk seal chews on a plastic bottle (Photo: NOAA).
Did you know that marine life is snacking on our trash? Some marine debris, especially plastics, are small enough to be eaten by wildlife, and can cause major problems for their health.
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What are microplastics and where do they come from? Find out on our blog (Photo: NOAA).
What do you know about marine debris? We answered some commonly asked questions about marine debris, what you can do to help, and even the NOAA Marine Debris Program team. See how much you know, and maybe even learn something new!
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