The Southeast region has a productive, diverse, and beautiful coast, with over 8,500 miles of tidal shorelines. Over 3 million people live and work in coastal communities in this region, where tourism and recreation are important economic drivers. Unfortunately, marine debris not only spoils the beauty of Southeast coastlines, it also creates health and safety hazards, threatens the boating and fishing community, degrades wildlife habitat, and impacts the economy.

In partnership with local agencies, non-governmental organizations, and coastal and fishing communities, the NOAA Marine Debris Program aims to prevent and reduce marine debris in the Southeast through prevention, research, and removal projects, as well as response to severe storms.