October 10, 2024 — Today, the Department of Commerce and NOAA announced an award of more than $3.3 million in funding to support the NOAA Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project Nationwide Survey. This funding will support a one-year, standalone, nationwide marine debris assessment, done in partnership with 1stMission LLC, that aims to broaden the understanding of marine debris, including the types and amounts of debris found on U.S. shorelines. These funds are provided by NOAA’s Climate-Ready Coasts initiative through the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“Marine debris poses significant threats to water quality, marine habitats and the economic prosperity of coastal communities nationwide,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, this investment of over $3 million will help us understand how marine debris affects our shorelines, expand protections for marine environments and the industries that depend on them, and support a healthier and more prosperous future for coastal communities.”
The nationwide initiative builds on more than a decade of collaborative monitoring efforts with partner agencies, community groups and participants through the Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project, as well as an earlier federal initiative known as the National Marine Debris Monitoring Program. The data collected through this comprehensive monitoring effort will be made freely available to the public.