Managing Marine Debris

Jul 28, 2025 | Home

If you are a coastal community dealing with marine debris, here are a few resources to help you tackle solid waste. 

  • EPA’s Trash Free Waters program addresses trash in rivers, lakes, estuaries, and oceans.
  • NOAA’s Marine Debris Program is the federal lead agency for addressing the impacts of marine debris on our ocean, waterways, and Great Lakes
  • NOAA’s Sea Grant Program is a federal-university partnership program that has a wide range of resources. Here are just a few examples:
    • Alaska Sea Grant funds marine debris removal projects. The next request for proposals will likely be posted in February 2026.
      • Alaska Seafood School offers classes and workshops on seafood safety, quality control, product development, business and marketing operations, leadership training, environmental compliance, wastewater compliance, and microbiology testing.
    • Washington Sea Grant provides fellowship opportunities. 
    • Oregon Sea Grant offers many resources for marine science education. 
  • Learn about ways to recycle used fishing gear through Net Your Problem, which operates in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
  • The Ocean Conservancy works toward trash-free seas through International Coastal Cleanups and other resources.