On October 17, 2014, the NOAA Marine Debris Program's Kim Albins (Gulf of Mexico Regional Coordinator) participated in the fourth annual St. Petersburg Science Festival to meet new partners and view "The Current Collections."

Current Collections is a massive, colorful marine debris sculpture funded by the NOAA Marine Debris Program’s Prevention through Education and Outreach grant/ cooperative agreement. The project, led by the University of South Florida is designed to engage and educate the community on how trash finds its way into the marine environment and illustrate the impact it can have on the environment.

Twelve school groups received a special ‘sneak peak’ of exhibits and learn and interactive games before Saturday, when the festival was open to the general public. Throughout the summer, children across St. Petersburg have had a hand in turning trash into unique elements for the structure.

For further information, contact Kimberly.Albins@noaa.gov.