NOAA Marine Debris Program e-Newsletter | April 2023

April 2023

A derelict vessel in Coral Harbor, St. John. (Photo: Coral Bay Community Council).

In This Issue

New Puerto Rico Response Guide

Monitoring Tutorials

Marine Debris in the Caribbean

Education Resources

How to Help

Quick Links

Marine Debris Website
Marine Debris Blog
Monitoring Toolbox
In Your Region
ADV InfoHub
Clearinghouse

Clipboard at the beach.

Monitoring Toolbox

The NOAA Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project has an updated Monitoring Toolbox! Check out the new video tutorials and database visualization tools, along with refreshed guides and field datasheets. The Monitoring Toolbox contains all of the resources you need to get started.

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2023 Marine Debris Calendar Available

Cover of the 2023 Marine Debris Calendar.

The 2023 Marine Debris Calendar is available! This year’s calendar features artwork from thirteen students in kindergarten through eighth grade from nine states and two U.S. territories, all winners of the “Keep the Sea Free of Debris” art contest.

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Website & Blog

New Puerto Rico Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide

Puerto Rico Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide

The new Puerto Rico Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide is available in English and Spanish (Photo: U.S. Coast Guard).

We are pleased to release the Puerto Rico Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide. The Guide is a product of a collaborative process with territorial and federal agencies and aims to improve preparedness for responding to marine debris after hurricanes and other disasters in Puerto Rico. The Guide is available in both English and Spanish.

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Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project Tutorials

Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project

Watch our series of video tutorials, available in English and Spanish!

Marine debris is a familiar sight on shorelines around the world, and a reminder that there is still work to be done to tackle this global environmental problem. You can help collect data with the NOAA Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project! An updated Monitoring Toolbox contains all of the resources you need to get started, including video tutorials. Through these tutorials, you will learn how to set up your site, conduct a survey, categorize debris, and submit data. Videos are available in both English and Spanish.

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Marine Debris in the Caribbean

Protectores De Cuencas

Check out what's going on with the NOAA Marine Debris Program and our partners in the Caribbean (Photo: Protectores de Cuencas).

Although the Caribbean is home to clear blue waters and sandy beaches, our trash, abandoned and derelict vessels, derelict fishing gear, and debris created by storms is found on shorelines throughout the region. The NOAA Marine Debris Program works with partners in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to remove, research, and prevent marine debris that impacts wildlife and coastal communities.

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Marine Debris Education Resources

Marine debris Lake Huron

View our marine debris resources for educators, students, families, and adults and professionals (Credit: Rick Houchin Photography).

We have created an easy-to-use platform for all of our educational materials. Visit our website and dive into the many resources our program offers, including curricula, activities, multimedia, and fun learning opportunities!

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How YOU Can Help Stop Marine Debris

Zero waste

Consider skipping the plastic utensils and napkins whether you are eating at home or on the go (Photo: NOAA).

Tons of our trash flows into our ocean, waterways, and Great Lakes every year. It is a complex and ever growing problem, and it’s up to everyone to play a role in the solution. Learn how you can take action and make small changes no matter where you are - at the beach, on the water, at school, and even at home!

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