Partner Updates
 SOLVE volunteers picking up litter and marine debris from a beach in Pacific City as part of SOLVE's annual Beach & Riverside cleanup (Photo Credit: Mary Coniglio).
From Source to Sea: SOLVE Volunteers Took Part in a Global Movement
This September, SOLVE’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup connected Oregon’s coastlines to a global effort aimed at protecting our oceans from harmful debris. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, more than 820 volunteers collectively removed nearly 9,800 pounds of litter and marine debris across the region. Along the Oregon Coast, partners including the Surfrider Foundation, Friends of Netarts Bay, and local watershed councils led efforts to remove debris from sensitive habitats. At Siltcoos Beach, volunteers commemorated International Coastal Cleanup Day by removing debris near western snowy plover nesting sites, helping to protect this vulnerable coastal species.
As fall progresses and king tides bring new debris ashore, SOLVE invites everyone to keep making a positive impact throughout the season.
 NOAA Marine Debris Program Updates
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The NOAA Marine Debris Program Awards 13 New Projects for Funding
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program is pleased to announce 13 new projects awarded under our NOAA Marine Debris Removal and Interception Technologies award competitions. These projects represent an investment of over $26.4 million for marine debris removal. The projects awarded under these nationwide competitive funding opportunities continue the NOAA Marine Debris Program’s commitment to benefit the American economy, local communities, and coastal and marine habitats across the nation.
Learn more about this year's awarded projects.
(Photo Credit: Daniel Avila, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation)
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The William and Mary’s Batten School and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science Announces 13 New Projects Under the Nationwide Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program
The William and Mary’s Batten School and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, in partnership with the NOAA Marine Debris Program, announced 13 new marine debris removal projects under the Nationwide Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program. These projects represent an investment of over $1.8 million for removal of derelict fishing traps with funds provided by the NOAA Marine Debris Program. The projects will remove derelict traps in California, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Washington.
Learn more on the William and Mary’s Batten School and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science TRAP Program website.
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EPA Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia
The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grant program will assist local waste management authorities by supporting improvements to local post-consumer materials management, including municipal recycling programs, and aiding local waste management authorities in making improvements to local waste management systems.
Deadline: December 12, 2025 11:59 PM ET
Learn more about these grants.
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Now Available: New Fact Sheet on Disaster Response Tools
Responding to disaster debris can be challenging, so the NOAA Marine Debris Program, in partnership with other federal, state, and local organizations, has created resources that can help these organizations be better prepared. This document outlines how the Marine Debris Emergency Response Guides can be used as a tool to help mitigate disaster debris impacts by facilitating a coordinated, and well managed response.
View the fact sheet.
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Calling all Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassadors!
The NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador program provides a new level of engagement for youth aged 13-18 committed to ocean conservation and stewardship of our blue planet. The NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is looking for enthusiastic youth with new ideas and a unique perspective to learn more about America’s underwater treasures and to share their passion with others.
See how past NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassadors have made a big impact at their schools or in their communities around the United States and U.S. territories. Together, we can make a difference in the conservation and stewardship of the ocean through marine protected areas, and enhanced ocean and climate literacy.
Applications are due on January 4, 2026 by 11:59 ET.
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