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Microplastics may be small, but can cause big problems (Photo: NOAA).
Marine debris is a serious threat to marine animals. While large pieces of litter can have dramatic impacts on marine animals, less obvious are the dangers of plastics measuring less than five millimeters in size, known as “microplastics.” Despite its small size, microplastic debris is affecting some of the planet’s largest animals.
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A view of destruction in New Orleans, LA following Hurricane Katrina (Photo: NOAA).
These new guides improve preparedness for response and recovery operations following an acute waterway debris incident. The documents outline existing response structures at the local, state, and federal levels to facilitate a coordinated, well-managed and immediate response to waterway debris incidents impacting coastal areas in the State of Louisiana and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Whenever possible, use a reusable bag and your own containers when you shop! (Photo: NOAA)
The EPA estimates that on average, Americans generate 4.40 pounds of waste per person per day. Now that is a lot of trash! Unfortunately, much of that trash becomes marine debris. The good news is that because we are the problem, we can be the solution too!
Check out these 5 zero-waste goals to help you get started! Try adopting one, and challenge yourself to stick with it for a month. You'll be surprised how easy it becomes once you have a routine!
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Learn all about ADVs by visiting the new ADV InfoHub on the NOAA Marine Debris Program’s website (Photo: Oregon State Marine Board).
Abandoned and derelict vessels are not only unsightly, but can create real problems by damaging important habitat, creating hazards to navigation and recreation, leaking pollutants into the environment, and impacting fisheries resources.
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The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, as seen in this diagram, is one of many garbage patches located throughout our global ocean (Photo: NOAA).
You may have heard about "garbage patches," but did you know that they aren't islands of trash? The most publicized garbage patch is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre in the northern Pacific Ocean. However, there are actually several garbage patches located in gyres around the world!
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Volunteers conduct a marine debris survey using MDMAP protocols (Photo: NOAA).
How big is the marine debris problem? How has it changed over time? What types of debris are most common in my region? These are all important questions to ask when tackling the marine debris issue and to get the answers, we turn to marine debris monitoring.
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