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A floating mass of nets off of Midway Island (Photo: NOAA).
We are excited to share that the United States Government formally joined the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI). In July, the United States Department of State signed a statement of support for the GGGI pledging continued United States Government commitment to address abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear, also known as “ghost gear,” in the global ocean. Addressing marine debris, including ghost gear, is a key priority for the United States and its efforts will be amplified through participation in the GGGI.
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Submit your Letter of Intent for the Marine Debris Removal opportunity (Photo: Adam Songy, Pontchartrain Conservancy).
We are proud to announce our fiscal year 2021 Marine Debris Removal notice of funding opportunity. Projects awarded through the removal grant competition will create long-term, quantifiable ecological habitat improvements for NOAA trust resources, with priority consideration for efforts targeting derelict fishing gear, abandoned and derelict vessels, and other medium- and large-scale debris.
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The Fishing for Energy Program provides a place to dispose of old or unusable fishing gear (Photo: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation).
The Fishing for Energy Partnership, a collaboration between the NOAA Marine Debris Program, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Covanta, and Schnitzer Steel, announced 14 grants totaling $121,700 that will support the installation of collection bins at convenient and strategic locations at ports, providing fishing communities a free way to dispose of old or unused fishing gear.
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Overflowing trash in dumpsters on the island of Saipan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (Photo: Mariana Islands Nature Alliance).
Marine debris is a constant and challenging threat to communities all over the world. It can travel on currents across the ocean, reach remote shorelines where very few people live, and cause major problems for both people and wildlife. As students and teachers prepare for a new year of learning, we are highlighting educational marine debris resources that highlight the problem in different locations and different languages. Whether you call it desechos marinos, ‘ōpala kai, or marine debris, we have resources for you!
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Marine debris on a California beach (Photo: Heal the Bay).
Marine debris can be dangerous for wildlife, damage sensitive habitats, and create safety and navigation hazards, but did you know it can also hurt the economies of coastal communities and decrease commercial fishing revenue? Marine debris can keep tourists away from beaches, compete with active fishing gear and reduce commercial catches, and cost small businesses money.
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Marine debris blanket the shorelines of Kanapou Bay, on the Island of Kaho‘olawe in Hawaii (Photo: NOAA).
Marine debris of all sizes can move around the ocean, being pushed around by wind and currents, and traveling to far off locations. Wind, tides, and differences in temperature and salinity drive ocean currents, bringing marine debris to the Hawaiian Islands, the most remote island chain in the world, and leaving litter on their beaches.
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