September 4, 2013 — The following was released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Marine Debris Program, in cooperation with the NOAA Restoration Center, has opened a fiscal year 2014 federal funding opportunity for marine debris removal. This opportunity paves the way for communities to implement marine debris removal projects that create long-term ecological improvements for coastal habitat, waterways and wildlife, including migratory fish. Past projects have removed various types of debris from all over the country, including tires from Osborne Reef in Florida, wood pilings at Point Molate in California, and derelict lobster traps in Maine. Projects have restored critical habitat, such as coral reefs, raised community awareness about the debris problem, and even helped open up public beach access to previously closed areas.
The deadline to apply is November 1, 2013. For more information on how to apply, visit this website: http://go.usa.gov/jJDB.
For more information about NOAA's Marine Debris Program, visit www.marinedebris.noaa.gov.