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Marine Debris Prevention
Photo Credit: David Shankbone
Marine Debris may seem overwhelming, but there are plenty of solutions to stop the flow of trash into our oceans.
Here are a few simple things you can do to prevent marine debris.
When on Land:
- Recycle!
- Buy reusable or biodegradable products.
- Do not litter! A piece of trash dropped on land can easily be washed into a storm drain and then find its way to the sea.
- Bring an extra bag to stow your trash when picnicking and don’t leave anything behind.
- Limit your use of disposable items.
- Beware of plastic ingredients in your shampoos, conditioners, and body washes. Plastic micro-beads are particularly destructive and usually end up in the ocean!
- Pack a waste-free lunch when you’re heading to work or school. Store your sandwich in a reusable container!
- Bring reusable shopping bags to the grocery store.
- Always dispose of cigarettes properly! The filters can leach dangerous chemicals into the water.
When at Sea:
- Never toss anything over the side of a boat. It is illegal to throw any trash overboard within three miles of shore.
- Carefully stow trash onboard so you can dispose of it properly when you reach port.
- Support environmentally-friendly ports and marinas. Here is a list of certified Clean Green marinas in New Jersey
- Dispose of fishing gear properly – never leave nets or traps behind.
- Don’t throw cigarette butts over the side.
Marine Debris Recycling Programs
Hawaii’s Nets to Energy Program and Partnership brings a unique solution to pollution. It turns salvaged marine debris into energy! When debris is removed from the ocean, instead of taking up space in a landfill, it is cut into small pieces and burned at an H-Power facility.
Burning debris creates steam, which generates electricity. One hundred tons of debris can power 43 homes for a year. Since the program began in 2002, more than 800 tons of debris has been collected. Instead of staying in the ocean and fouling engines or ensnaring animals, this debris is being put to great use!
Hawaii’s Nets to Energy Program and similar programs around the country are supported in part by the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Debris Program, which works to conduct research, create beach clean-ups, increase public awareness, and restore habitats. This program currently supports more than 140 projects around the United States.
For more information visit: www.marinedebris.noaa.gov