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Topic: Marine debris

A freediver works at the sea surface to remove an abandoned net from a reef.

Large-scale marine debris: 4 ways to clean up the big stuff

October 7, 2026

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A freediver works at the sea surface to remove an abandoned net from a reef.

Whale tale flipping out of the ocean; person with blue helmet and orange life jacket in foreground looking at the whale

Video: NOAA teams disentangle humpback whales in Hawaii

March 6, 2026

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Whale tale flipping out of the ocean; person with blue helmet and orange life jacket in foreground looking at the whale

A small red boat towing an abandoned vessel from a marina along the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C.

NOAA project removes 13 abandoned vessels from historic D.C. waterway, so far

August 12, 2025

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A small red boat towing an abandoned vessel from a marina along the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C.

DECEMBER, 2020: Volunteers, faculty and staff FROM the University of Delaware and Delaware Sea Grant work in Rehoboth Bay, Delaware, to clean up lost and abandoned crab pots that litter the bay floor.

Video: Volunteers use sonar to find, remove cast-away crab pots

January 29, 2025

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DECEMBER, 2020: Volunteers, faculty and staff FROM the University of Delaware and Delaware Sea Grant work in Rehoboth Bay, Delaware, to clean up lost and abandoned crab pots that litter the bay floor.

Marine Debris Art Contest winner 2023; An Octopus with picket signs on top of a pile of debris in the ocean

Now open: The annual NOAA Marine Debris Program art contest!

November 4, 2024

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Marine Debris Art Contest winner 2023; An Octopus with picket signs on top of a pile of debris in the ocean

The Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project (PMDP) team disentangled four Hawaiian green sea turtles, 2024. ermit # - PMNM-2024-003.

Marine debris removal season at Pacific monument ends with record-breaking results

October 28, 2024

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The Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project (PMDP) team disentangled four Hawaiian green sea turtles, 2024. ermit # - PMNM-2024-003.

Photo of public participants in NOAA’s Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project sort debris items and record data at Nukoli’i Beach, Hawaii. June 2024 (Credit: Kauai Surfrider)

Biden-Harris Administration, NOAA invest more than $3.3 million to launch nationwide marine debris survey

October 9, 2024

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Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

coastal communities

Photo of public participants in NOAA’s Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project sort debris items and record data at Nukoli’i Beach, Hawaii. June 2024 (Credit: Kauai Surfrider)

A Hawaiian monk seal entangled in a derelict fishing net.

Marine debris cleanup in Hawaii reduces seal entanglements

October 2, 2024

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marine protected areas

A Hawaiian monk seal entangled in a derelict fishing net.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2023: Divers from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project (PMDP) removed over 76,000 pounds of abandoned fishing gear from the complex reef system found at Manawai, also called Pearl and Hermes reef. Sea turtles are at high risk for entanglement as they are attracted to the nets for foraging, rest, and shelter.

4 ways NOAA is turning the tide on marine debris

September 17, 2024

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technology & innovation

community engagement

SEPTEMBER 14, 2023: Divers from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project (PMDP) removed over 76,000 pounds of abandoned fishing gear from the complex reef system found at Manawai, also called Pearl and Hermes reef. Sea turtles are at high risk for entanglement as they are attracted to the nets for foraging, rest, and shelter.

Fishing Vessel Seahawk aground on the reef flat of Nu'uuli Pala Lagoon, Tutuila.

Biden-Harris Administration invests more than $23 million to remove marine debris

September 5, 2024

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Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Fishing Vessel Seahawk aground on the reef flat of Nu'uuli Pala Lagoon, Tutuila.

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