These projects support efforts to address the pervasive global problem of marine debris that can impact wildlife, navigation safety, human health, and the economy.

Eleven marine debris removal projects received a total of $1,238,358 to support efforts that will benefit coastal habitats, waterways, and wildlife, including migratory fish. Projects awarded through this grant competition will implement locally effective activities to remove marine debris, including derelict fishing gear and abandoned and derelict vessels. Projects will provide benefits to coastal communities, and create long-term ecological habitat improvements for NOAA trust resources.

In addition, four marine debris research projects received a total of $935,156 for to advance our understanding of how microplastics interact with seafood species. Projects awarded through this grant competition will investigate the ecological risks associated with marine debris as well as the fate and transport of marine debris in nearshore, coastal environments.

These projects were selected through a rigorous and highly competitive merit review process. The MDP received 70 proposals in 2017, requesting more than $12 million, demonstrating the widespread interest in the marine debris issue across the US and its territories. The funded projects cover 11 states, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands. The NOAA funds are being matched with non-federal contributions totaling $1.9 million.

For more details and a full list of the 2017 projects, visit the MDP’s removal and research project announcements on our blog.

For additional information on grants, please contact: Tom.Barry@noaa.gov.

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