Office of Response and RestorationHere are citations for a sampling of research publications of the Marine Debris Division staff of NOAA OR&R.
Marine Debris
Marine debris is everyone's problem. It affects everything from the environment to the economy; from fishing and navigation to human health and safety; from the tiniest coral polyps to giant blue whales. Marine debris comes in many forms. It could be a cigarette butt tossed on the beach, or a 4,000-pound tangle of derelict fishing nets caught on a coral reef. Since 2005, the NOAA Marine Debris Program has served as a centralized program within NOAA, coordinating, strengthening, and promoting marine debris activities within the agency and among its partners and the public.
Importance
Marine debris has many detrimental impacts on ecosystems, such as habitat degradation, entanglement, ingestion, and transportation of non-native species. Debris can even affect human health and navigation safety. Research is beginning to reveal the scope of the issue, and this knowledge, along with new technologies, can lead to more effective solutions to the problem. Efforts to reduce and prevent marine debris decrease the quantities and the impacts of debris, and over time, create an overall change in the behaviors that lead to debris. Through efforts in these areas as well as by working with partners across the U.S. and around the world, together everyone can make a difference in solving the problem of marine debris. Learn more about marine debris and what you can do about it at the NOAA Marine Debris Program's website.
Marine Debris Research Publications |
Abandoned and Derelict VesselsSunken, stranded, and decrepit vessels—especially those with oil still on board—can become hazards to navigation while also posing as significant pollution threats to sensitive marine and coastal habitats. OR&R is working on this issue in a variety of ways. |
Activities in the ArcticOR&R is building on decades of experience in Alaska to ensure the safety of Alaskan communities, ecosystems, and local economies while supporting a rising demand for maritime access and offshore development in the Arctic. Take a closer look at our diverse efforts in this part of the world. |
What You Can Do to Keep Plastic out of the OceanHow could we all use less plastic in our daily lives? What could we do to keep the plastic we do use out of the ocean? Here are a few ideas anyone can do to get started. |
NOAA Launches Online Tool for the Marine Debris CommunityThe NOAA Marine Debris Program has launched the Marine Debris Clearinghouse, a new online tool for tracking and researching marine debris projects and resources. Learn more about this new tool for combating the problem of trash in our ocean, and let us know what you think. |
How Much Would it Cost to Clean up the Pacific Garbage Patches?Over the last several years, the infamous "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" has become quite a phenomenon. But if we know where this large concentration of marine debris is located, why can't we clean it up? And how much would it cost? |
New Legislation Expands Scope of NOAA Marine Debris Program to Deal with Natural Disaster DebrisPresident Obama signed legislation reauthorizing the NOAA Marine Debris Program and its mission to address the harmful impacts of marine debris on the United States. In doing so, this gave the program a new authority to deal with unusually large influxes of marine debris which may follow tsunamis or hurricanes. |
Microplastics on National Park BeachesJune 30, 2017 - To investigate the number and distribution of microplastics on National Park beaches across the Unites States, researchers at Clemson University collaborated with the National Park Service to collect and analyze sand from 37 coastal National Parks. |
How Marine Debris is Impacting Marine AnimalsAug. 9, 2017 - This week, we look at the impacts of pollutants on wildlife and endangered species. We’ll explore tools we’ve developed to map sensitive species and habitats, how marine debris endangers marine life, how restoring toxic waste sites improves the health of wildlife, and the creation of a mobile wildlife hospital. Wildlife are impacted by marine debris in a variety of ways, read on to learn more. |
8 Ways to Keep the Earth CleanApril 18, 2017 - Earth Day is just around the corner and it’s the perfect time to get involved and support efforts working toward a clean environment and healthy planet. NOAA's Marine Debris Program suggests ways you can help all year long. |
Marine Debris Research Publications
Here are citations for a sampling of research publications of the Marine Debris Division staff of NOAA OR&R.
Abandoned and Derelict Vessels
Sunken, stranded, and decrepit vessels—especially those with oil still on board—can become hazards to navigation while also posing as significant pollution threats to sensitive marine and coastal habitats. OR&R is working on this issue in a variety of ways.
Activities in the Arctic
OR&R is building on decades of experience in Alaska to ensure the safety of Alaskan communities, ecosystems, and local economies while supporting a rising demand for maritime access and offshore development in the Arctic. Take a closer look at our diverse efforts in this part of the world.
What You Can Do to Keep Plastic out of the Ocean
How could we all use less plastic in our daily lives? What could we do to keep the plastic we do use out of the ocean? Here are a few ideas anyone can do to get started.
NOAA Launches Online Tool for the Marine Debris Community
The NOAA Marine Debris Program has launched the Marine Debris Clearinghouse, a new online tool for tracking and researching marine debris projects and resources. Learn more about this new tool for combating the problem of trash in our ocean, and let us know what you think.
How Much Would it Cost to Clean up the Pacific Garbage Patches?
Over the last several years, the infamous "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" has become quite a phenomenon. But if we know where this large concentration of marine debris is located, why can't we clean it up? And how much would it cost?
New Legislation Expands Scope of NOAA Marine Debris Program to Deal with Natural Disaster Debris
President Obama signed legislation reauthorizing the NOAA Marine Debris Program and its mission to address the harmful impacts of marine debris on the United States. In doing so, this gave the program a new authority to deal with unusually large influxes of marine debris which may follow tsunamis or hurricanes.
Microplastics on National Park Beaches
June 30, 2017 - To investigate the number and distribution of microplastics on National Park beaches across the Unites States, researchers at Clemson University collaborated with the National Park Service to collect and analyze sand from 37 coastal National Parks.
How Marine Debris is Impacting Marine Animals
Aug. 9, 2017 - This week, we look at the impacts of pollutants on wildlife and endangered species. We’ll explore tools we’ve developed to map sensitive species and habitats, how marine debris endangers marine life, how restoring toxic waste sites improves the health of wildlife, and the creation of a mobile wildlife hospital. Wildlife are impacted by marine debris in a variety of ways, read on to learn more.
8 Ways to Keep the Earth Clean
April 18, 2017 - Earth Day is just around the corner and it’s the perfect time to get involved and support efforts working toward a clean environment and healthy planet. NOAA's Marine Debris Program suggests ways you can help all year long.
