Rhode Island Marine Debris Pilot Project

The Rhode Island Marine Debris Pilot Project was initiated in Newport, R.I. during the summer of 1991. The objective of the project was to decrease recreational boaters\u27 contribution to marine debris. Two methods were used to achieve this goal. First, trash and recycling disposal facilities were increased around the harbor. Secondly, educational literature on the environmental consequences of marine debris, and the law that applies to overboard disposal, were distributed throughout the local marine community. The implementation of the pilot project led to a significant increase in the amount of debris brought ashore by boaters, and a decrease in the amount of floating debris in Newport Harbor