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Surveying Debris on Our Shores

From Alaska to the Caribbean, scientists are surveying hundreds of shorelines to better understand marine debris across the United States and its territories for NOAA’s Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project. With the first year of field surveys well underway and a second year planned, here is an update on how you can follow along.

A person stands on a rocky and sandy shoreline facing away from the ocean on a sunny day.
Last updated Tuesday, September 15, 2026 12:03pm PDT