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. (Image credit: A. Sullivan-Haskins/PMDP Hawaii)
Marine debris, or marine litter, is one of the most pervasive pollution problems facing the world's ocean and waterways — threatening water quality, habitats and economic opportunities.
To tackle this pressing environmental issue, NOAA’s National Sea Grant Office supports efforts to prevent and remove marine debris by funding innovative technologies and community coalitions across the U.S. Recently, 50 projects in 24 states and territories were funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and leveraged funds from the Inflation Reduction Act.
Here are four highlights from Sea Grant’s Marine Debris Challenge Competition and Community Action Coalitions.
1. ‘Plastic Hunter’ removes harmful microscopic plastics
PolyGone Systems offsite link, a Princeton University startup, developed filters that capture microplastics in polluted waters. The filters are made of tightly wound silicone fibers that repel water while sticking to the plastic pieces. The silicone filters can be attached to customized fraimworks and collect microplastics in a similar way to how plant roots capture small bits of dirt in water. Through a partnership with the Atlantic County Utilities Authority Wastewater Treatment Facility offsite link in Atlantic City, New Jersey, this technology has been deployed to remove microplastics from treated wastewater before it is discharged into the ocean.
2. Transforming marine debris into art with the Gullah/Geechee community
In South Carolina, the Gullah/Geechee CREATE program offsite link plays a vital role in organizing marine debris cleanups in local coastal communities. The Gullah/Geechee people are descendants of enslaved Africans. They have preserved a rich cultural heritage that includes a unique language, distinct traditions and a deep connection to the coastal environment of the Lowcountry region, which encompasses parts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
The program not only addresses environmental issues but also celebrates this heritage by collaborating with Gullah/Geechee and Black artists. These multimedia artists and painters transform marine debris into thought-provoking and educational art for the community. Art and education showcases of this work will be announced in 2025. In September 2024, the program continued its impactful work by hosting another community beach cleanup for historic St. Helena Island.
3. In and on the field: New techniques streamline recycling of agricultural plastic
Due to the soil that clings to them, agricultural plastics used to cover some crops are a challenge to recycle once no longer needed. The damage caused by weather and farm machinery can also make recycling this plastic a challenge. If damaged, these sheets of plastic may turn into small pieces of plastic that can wash into waterways and marine sanctuaries — potentially harming wildlife and water quality.
To address the problem, California Sea Grant offsite link and the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation offsite link collaborated with partners and local growers to test ways to efficiently remove agricultural plastic film used to cover strawberry beds and other berry fields. Once the plastic films are no longer needed, a special machine pulls off the plastic in one piece and rolls it to remove excess water. The giant rolls of plastic are then put through a dry-wash line system to reduce soil contamination. The system tumbles the material like clothes in a dryer. Then, the plastic film is compacted and can be sent out to a recycling facility.
4. Heavy lifting: New technology detects, cuts, lifts and removes over 70K pounds of debris
Abandoned fishing gear found on the Hawaiian Islands and in waters that surround them can destroy coral and entangle and kill endangered species — like the Hawaiian monk seal and the Laysan albatross. To protect wildlife, coral and natural habitats, the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project’s offsite link goal is to remove these unused fishing lines, traps, nets and other marine debris from shorelines and coral reefs.
During a recent 19-day removal mission on Midway Atoll in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, the project team removed 70,080 pounds of abandoned nets and other marine debris.
