Marine Debris Prevention and Removal Program

The Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act was created to address marine debris, largely land-based and plastic, which accounts for harm within coral reefs, animal entanglement and death, and harm to beach-goers, divers, and navigational safety. Each year, over fourteen billion pounds of trash enters the ocean. After explaining the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration organization, students described their Marine Debris Prevention and Removal Program, where the first year implementation included reporting to Congress, a grant program, and education and outreach. In the second year, a mapping program, fishing gear program, and information clearinghouse were added as goals.

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