Marine debris is a pervasive national and global problem that harms wildlife, navigation safety, ecosystem health, and the economy. The transformational projects awarded under this nationwide competitive funding opportunity will not only remove marine debris, but address some of its greatest impacts by targeting the largest and most damaging debris and preventing its reaccumulation in the environment. All awardees are encouraged to support the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion when performing their work, including working with tribal, environmental justice, and fishing communities that traditionally have been underserved.

This competition focused on two priority areas. Priority 1 focused on removing large marine debris, such as abandoned and derelict vessels and derelict fishing gear, and Priority 2 on using proven interception technologies to capture marine debris. These two priorities were reviewed as separate, parallel tracks under the funding opportunity.

For more information on this year’s recommended projects, please visit the NOAA Marine Debris Program’s website.