NOAA Marine Debris Program e-Newsletter | December 2021

A diver removes net from a coral reef.

A diver works to remove a net at Kamokuokamohoali‘i/Ko‘anako‘a (Maro Reef) in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (Credit: NOAA).

In This Issue

New Report on the U.S. Role in Global Ocean Plastic Waste

7th International Marine Debris Conference

Marine Debris Art Contest

The Makah Tribe Meets the Challenge of Marine Debris

Marine Debris Impacts to Coral Reefs

Zero Waste Inspiration for the Holidays!

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2022 Marine Debris Calendar Available Online

Student artwork features sea creatures swimming through a coral reef away from a derelict net, accompanied by a dolphin filled with marine debris.

We are proud to announce that our 2022 Marine Debris Calendar is now available for download! This year’s calendar features artwork from thirteen students in kindergarten through eighth grade from eight states and two U.S. territories, all winners of the “Keep the Sea Free of Debris” art contest.

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

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Website & Blog

New Report on the U.S. Role in Global Ocean Plastic Waste

Assorted plastic marine debris.

Check out the report to learn about the contributions of the United States to global ocean plastic waste (Credit: NOAA).

We are pleased to share a study by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine on the contributions of the United States to global ocean plastic waste. This report, funded by the NOAA Marine Debris Program, evaluates the prevalence of marine debris and mismanaged plastic waste, examines the import and export of plastic waste to and from the United States, and assesses the potential value of a national marine debris monitoring system. 

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Save the Date for the 7th International Marine Debris Conference

Save the date announcement for the 7th International Marine Debris Conference.

Save the Date! The 7th International Marine Debris Conference will take place September 18-23, 2022, in Busan, Republic of Korea.

The 7th International Marine Debris Conference (7IMDC) will take place September 18-23, 2022 in Busan, Republic of Korea. This conference is one of the world’s largest and longest-running events dedicated to the issue of marine debris. The 7IMDC is organized by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea, the United Nations Environment Programme and the Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation, with support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The 7IMDC Call for Technical Sessions is now open and is accepting submissions of proposals until Friday, January 7th, 2022.

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Marine Debris Art Contest Closing Soon!

Artwork by Jennie C. (Grade 8, Massachusetts) of a child on the beach helping a sea turtle tangled in a net.

Artwork by Jennie C. (Grade 8, Massachusetts), winner of the NOAA Marine Debris Program Art Contest.

There's still time to submit your entry for the NOAA Marine Debris Program Art Contest! Students in grades K-8 from the United States and U.S. territories can submit their artwork until December 10th. Winning artwork will be featured in our 2023 Marine Debris Calendar!

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The Makah Tribe Meets the Challenge of Marine Debris

Two removal team members pull a derelict crab pot aboard a boat.

The Makah Tribe removes derelict crab pots (Credit: Makah Tribe).

During National Native American Heritage Month we celebrated the countless contributions of Native peoples, their important history, present perseverance, and future. Supporting indigenous communities in environmental protection practices is essential to honoring their enduring relationship to their homeland. The NOAA Marine Debris Program is proud to work with indigenous communities in stewardship efforts that help to understand and reduce the impacts of marine debris. One such project, with the Makah Tribe, focused on the removal of derelict fishing gear within the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, along the northwest corner of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State and the Makah Tribe’s Usual and Accustomed Fishing Area.

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Marine Debris Impacts to Coral Reefs

Pieces of coral stuck in a fishing net.

Broken coral heads inside of a derelict fishing net (Credit: NOAA).

Coral reefs are one of Earth’s most productive ecosystems. Rocky reefs can form barrier islands that protect the mainland from storms and destructive waves, they are home to a third of all the fish species in the ocean, and provide food for millions of people. They are also fragile, which means that marine debris can have a huge impact on these ecosystems. This #CoralsWeek learn about the impacts of marine debris to coral reefs and how you can make a difference!

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Zero Waste Inspiration for the Holidays!

A garland made out of dried oranges, cranberries, and eucalyptus leaves hung on a stairway banister.

Try decorating with natural options, such as this dried fruit and eucalyptus garland, that can decompose at the end of the holiday season (Credit: NOAA).

Get started early on your New Year's waste reduction resolutions! The NOAA Marine Debris Program is excited to celebrate a greener holiday season with some creative decoration and gift wrapping ideas that will help you reduce waste and bring holiday cheer into your home. In a series of festive blogs, our team will share their holiday hacks to help celebrate the season while also protecting the planet!