NOAA Marine Debris Program: Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund

NOAA Marine Debris Program: Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund is sponsored by NOAA Marine Debris Program & National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. NOAA Marine Debris Program: Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund is a grant partnership between the NOAA Marine Debris Program and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) that funds projects to assess, remove, and dispose of marine debris caused by severe storm…

Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund | NFWF Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund Pathway to the beach in Florida The Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund is a partnership between NFWF and the NOAA Marine Debris Program that awards grants to assess, remove and dispose of marine debris caused by severe storms.

Grants are awarded based on the targeted debris’ existing or potential impact to coastal communities and resources, and to prevent further harm to sensitive marine habitats and species listed under the Endangered Species Act.

In 2024, NFWF awarded more than $6 million in grants to reduce marine debris from coastal habitats and nearshore waters of coastal counties in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico and South Carolina impacted by the 2022 hurricanes Fiona, Ian and Nicole and Typhoon Merbok. The program primarily funds projects that are ready for immediate clean-up efforts to remove and dispose of marine debris that resulted from storms.

Severe storms can cause significant debris in the way of capsized vessels, moved and lost fishing gear, large terrestrial debris like logs and structures washed out to sea, and torn up coastal infrastructure like docks or piers. This debris can cause both immediate and prolonged harm to already impacted coastal communities in navigation safety, coastal and marine industry and tourism, and potentially human safety and health.

Marine debris can also have immediate and prolong impact on wildlife through entanglement and ingestion and habitats from scouring and smothering.

How to Manage Your New Grant Webinar Recording Interim Programmatic Report Guidance Final Programmatic Report Guidance Program Fact Sheet and 2024 Grant Slate Senior Program Director, Marine Conservation Coordinator, Regional Programs Pacific Coastal Research & Planning completes major abandoned derelict vessel removal NFWF Announces $6 Million in Grants to Help Communities Impacted by Hurricanes and Natural Disasters Removing Abandoned Vessels From Our Waterways