During natural disasters, large amounts of debris enter waterways all at once. Disaster-related debris can include abandoned and derelict vessels, construction and demolition debris, and household hazardous waste, among other types of debris. It can be a danger to boat traffic, damage habitat, and even release pollution.

To prepare for these impacts, the NOAA Marine Debris Program works with coastal states and territories to develop response guidance documents. The United States Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide serves as a reference for all U.S. states and territories and supports regional and national planning and response efforts. The Guide seeks to capture the most likely response structures and actions at the federal level, with the understanding that state and local agency involvement is a critical component of an effective response

Check out this Guide as well as Guides from other regions on the NOAA Marine Debris Program's website.