NOAA Marine Debris Program Efforts in the Salish Sea

Since its inception in 2005, the NOAA Marine Debris Program (NOAA MDP), the federal lead on marine debris, has partnered with and supported numerous efforts to address marine debris in the Salish Sea, and especially in the Puget Sound. Working with Northwest Strait Initiative, the NOAA MDP funded and supported the effort to survey for and rid the Puget Sound of legacy gillnets. The NOAA MDP has also supported a number of partners in derelict crab pot removal and conducted outreach to commercial and recreational crab fishers – a little knowledge can go a long way to help prevent crab pots loss. On land, the NOAA MDP worked with partners to recycle derelict nets and increase recycling and proper disposal of plastic debris. Through on-going support from Ocean Conservancy and regional partners, NOAA MDP contributed funds and effort to clean up the Puget Sound during the International Coastal Cleanup. The NOAA MDP has supported several research projects to increase our understating of different aspects of marine debris, including density and impacts. As the program approaches a decade of productive and collaborative work in the Puget Sound, this presentation will cover past efforts in the region, future emphasis, and a wider national perspective on marine debris