Marine debris in the mid-Atlantic region is very often tied to the Chesapeake Bay. The NOAA Marine Debris Program works on efforts to prevent debris from entering the Bay through research and outreach, minimizing impacts to the people who enjoy it and the animals rely on it for survival. But we’re not solely focused on the Chesapeake Bay; we collaborate with a strong network of partners throughout the region who work hard to protect the coasts and waterways, as well as groups that clean the many miles of sandy, Atlantic Coast beaches that are vital to tourism.