NOAA Marine Debris Program
A green sea turtle is caught in a derelict fishing net in Hawaii. Sea turtles breathe at the surface, so if they get entangled and cannot escape, they drown.
Marine debris is any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes. Every year, marine debris injures and kills marine life, interferes with navigation safety, has adverse economic impacts to shipping and coastal industries, and poses a threat to human health. Our oceans and waterways are constantly polluted with a wide variety of marine debris ranging from soda cans and plastic bags to derelict fishing gear and abandoned vessels.
This site includes information on:
- About the Program - Information on the NOAA Marine Debris Program, Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee, International marine debris activities, the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act, and strategies to address marine debris.
- Marine Debris 101 - Information on the various types of marine debris, its sources, and impacts as well as downloadable materials, resources, and photos.
- Projects - Information and updates on marine debris projects (funded in and outside of NOAA) throughout the U.S. since 2005.
- Funding Opportunities - How to receive funding to help remove marine debris, educate the public, and invest in prevention.
- Outreach and Education - NOAA publications and educational resources on marine debris as well as a link to marine debris videos and the Media page.
- In the News - Information on what's happening across the globe regarding marine debris issues, as well as a link to our Media page.
- Photo Galleries - Links to two galleries of downloadable photos: 1) Project-related photos and 2) General marine debris photos.
- Glossary - A list of terms frequently used in the context of marine debris discussion.
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