NOAA Marine Debris Program e-Newsletter | February 2021

Abandoned vessels removed from Beaufort’s waterway.

Abandoned vessels removed from Beaufort’s waterway (Photo: Town of Beaufort, North Carolina).

In This Issue

Reducing Waste at Conferences

Salvaging Solutions Webinar

Ohio Marine Debris Art Challenge

Reducing Waste at Home 

2021 Calendar Available for Download

Quick Links

Marine Debris Website
Marine Debris Blog
MDMAP Toolbox
ADV InfoHub
Clearinghouse

Marine Debris Tracker Mobile Application

Marine Debris Tracker App

Make a difference by using the Marine Debris Tracker app to record debris items you find.

2021 Marine Debris Calendar Available Online

Cover of the 2021 Marine Debris Calendar

Download the 2021 Marine Debris Calendar on our website now! (Cover art by Sophie W., Grade 8, Michigan)

Our 2021 Marine Debris Calendar is still available for download! This year’s calendar features artwork from thirteen students in kindergarten through eighth grade from nine states and two U.S. territories, all winners of the “Keep the Sea Free of Debris” art contest.

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Website & Blog

Walking the Talk by Reducing Waste at Conferences

The NOAA Marine Debris Program zero waste kit with mugs, cloth napkins, metal utensils, and plates.

A NOAA Marine Debris Program zero waste kit (Photo: NOAA).

Although we are not attending in-person events right now, conferences and other large events can generate large amounts of waste from food and beverage, registration, travel, lodging, giveaways, and other activities. At the NOAA Marine Debris Program, we recognize that environmental organizations and scientists have a particular responsibility to reduce the amount of waste generated through these events. In an article recently published in the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin, we highlight our commitment to “walking the talk” by reducing waste at events and preventing potential sources of marine debris.

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New Monthly Webinar: Salvaging Solutions to Abandoned and Derelict Vessels

Abandoned sailing vessel washed ashore at the Rachel Carson Reserve.

Sailing vessel “Running Free” was abandoned and washed ashore at the Rachel Carson Reserve three times before it was removed through a cleanup project (Photo: North Carolina Coastal Reserve).

We are excited to announce our new monthly webinar series, Salvaging Solutions to Abandoned and Derelict Vessels. Every fourth Wednesday of the month at 3 pm ET, the webinar will feature experts on a topic related to abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs), to share perspectives and solutions from across the country on common ADV issues.

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Students in Ohio - Get Ready for the Ohio Marine Debris Art Challenge!

Bottle caps, straws, cigarette butts, and other debris removed from the shoreline of Lake Erie in Ohio.

Bottle caps, straws, cigarette butts, and other debris removed from the shoreline of Lake Erie in Ohio (Photo: NOAA).

Even during this challenging time when many are at home, our waste can still become marine debris. For those living in coastal Ohio, lost waste can end up in Lake Erie. In order to help raise awareness of the issue, we’re excited to be offering the Ohio Marine Debris Art Challenge for students in grades 6-12 in coastal Ohio!

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Reducing Waste by Building Habits at Home

A set of reusable bamboo utensils.

One easy way to reduce waste is to skip the plastic utensils and napkins when ordering take out or delivery, whether you are eating at home or on the go (Photo: NOAA).

Practicing waste reduction at home builds a strong foundation for reducing waste in our everyday lives. While spending more time at home this winter, we can examine our daily habits and think about the ways we can be more sustainable. Reducing our personal waste is an important part of preventing potential marine debris, and there are many ways you can get started at home.

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