What is Marine Debris?
Marine debris includes any persistent, human-made material that enters the marine environment or Great Lakes. New York Sea Grant works with partners statewide to better understand debris pathways, reduce inputs, and support communities in addressing debris impacts.
What is Plastic Pollution?
Plastic is one of the most common forms of marine debris. Plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic objects and particles in the Earth's environment that adversely affects wildlife, wildlife habitat, and humans. It includes large items such as bottles, packaging and fishing gear, as well as small fragments and microplastics.
Program Areas
NYSG supports research, outreach, education and community-based solutions that reduce marine debris across New York’s watersheds. Current projects focus on stormwater debris, microplastic filtration, community science, and culturally informed marine debris reduction.
Together, these efforts advance understanding of marine debris pathways while piloting technologies and partnerships that can be scaled across New York State.
More Info
For more on the of marine debris and plastic pollution, click on the related "News" links to the left.
