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NOAA Engages the Public on Marine Debris at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

FEB. 13, 2023 — Last month, the NOAA Marine Debris Program, within the Office of Response and Restoration, participated in an “Expert Is In” program at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

A whiteboard with post-it notes on it.
Students and families posted marine debris prevention pledges after their visit to the Expert Is In table. Image credit: NOAA).

Staff engaged more than 100 members of the public with an activity focused on marine debris ingestion called “Plastic is a Deadly Meal,” as well as other hands-on materials and discussions. Museum attendees, including students and adults, played a game simulating seabird feeding patterns, only to discover that some of their “food” turned out to be plastic!

Following the game, the audience discussed possible impacts to the environment caused by marine debris, sources of these hazards, and how we can prevent the issue. Students and families made pledges based on their discussions, and went on to explore the museum’s Ocean Hall further.

Last updated Friday, February 24, 2023 12:53pm PST