Marine Debris in

Alaska

Volunteers loading debris into a boat on a remote Alaskan shoreline.
This region includes all of Alaska.

The marine debris problem is different in Alaska than in other parts of the United States. With an extensive, rugged, and remote coastline, longer than the rest of the United States combined, addressing marine debris in Alaska requires innovative and creative approaches. Since 2006, the NOAA Marine Debris Program has worked with partners to conduct debris research, removal, and prevention, directly funding more than 35 projects in Alaska that have removed over 900 metric tons of debris from shorelines. On many beaches, removal efforts are paired with surveys to determine debris re-accumulation rates and track changes in the types of debris that come ashore.

Cleanups led by the Sitka Sound Science Center.
Current Projects
A derelict net rests on a remote Alaskan shoreline.
Reports and Materials
A bead of polystyrene foam.

Hot Topics

  • Lose the Loop! Derelict nets, line, traps, and packing bands can entangle and entrap marine species, such as Alaska's Steller sea lions and northern fur seals, indiscriminately.

  • Marine debris can be found even in the most remote parts of Alaska, including the Arctic. A joint project with National Park Service, NOAA, and Clemson University showed concentrations of microplastics in sand collected at two Arctic sites was comparable to two major U.S. cities.

  • The Arctic Council has made marine debris (or “marine litter”) a focus during the 2019-2021 Icelandic chairmanship. NOAA is supporting efforts by Council multiple working groups to understand the state of the science, create guidelines for monitoring, and coordinate future actions for marine debris in the Arctic.

Abandoned and Derelict Vessel information for states and territories in the Alaska region:

Alaska
Community members gathered with the results of a shoreline cleanup on St. Paul Island in 2019.
Cleaning up shorelines on Kodiak Island is often a family affair, engaging community members of all ages.
The South Beach of Gore Point on the Kenai Peninsula, a noted “catcher” beach for marine debris.
Barge carrying marine debris from Alaska's shorelines.
Marine Debris on an Alaskan Beach
Debris is displayed in the Anchorage Museum.
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Image Gallery

Steller sea lions.

Blog

Gyre: Creating Art From a Plastic Ocean

Video

Regional Coordinator

Peter Murphy
peter.murphy@noaa.gov

Funded Partners in the Region

Sitka Sound Science Center
Island Trails Network
Gulf of Alaska Keeper
Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies
City of Tenakee Springs
Airborne Technologies, Inc
Blue Fox Bay Lodge
Island Charters
Southeast Alaska Watershed Coalition
Aleut Community of St. Paul Island
FAQs
How can I obtain funding for a marine debris project?

The NOAA Marine Debris Program offers several nationwide, competitive funding opportunities for marine debris projects. These include: marine debris removal grants; prevention through education and outreach grants; and research grants. Learn more about these opportunities.