Marine Debris in Alaska

Marine debris is defined as “...any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment” (from NOAA Marine Debris Program: What is Marine Debris?). In Alaska, this may include lost floatation devices from boats or docks, derelict nets and fishing gear, and post-consumer waste such as plastic bottles, cans, and even shoes and sunglasses.

Marine debris presents unique and complex challenges in Alaska. Alaska’s shoreline is vast, with over 47,000 miles of exposed, island, and inlet shorelines and tidal areas. Alaska is remote and most places are not accessible by road. Heavy vessel traffic, a large fishing industry, and major ocean currents add to the complexity of addressing Alaska’s marine debris.

There is an active and dedicated marine debris community across Alaska. Many of these groups have been working on the issue for years, gaining valuable experience and insight. This community is continuing to grow as new groups step into the issue. Across groups, many consistent challenges exist that are unique to Alaska.

Funding Opportunity: Community Support for Marine Debris Removal

Alaska Sea Grant seeks proposals for marine debris removal projects in Alaska’s coastal communities. Proposals may request up to $200,000 and projects should occur from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2026. Eligible applicants include Alaska-based municipal and borough governments, Tribal governments and organizations, nonprofit organizations, K–12 educational institutions, private businesses, and individuals.

Deadline to apply for round one: May 28, 2024.

An informational webinar was held April 10, 2024, at 11 am Alaska time. View the recording.

Apply to the Community Marine Debris Removal RFP

Resources for Marine Debris

NOAA Marine Debris Program

National Sea Grant Marine Debris

Center for Alaska Coastal Studies

Gulf of Alaska Keeper

a person stands on a beach heavily littered with marine debris

Alaska Center for Marine Debris

The Alaska Center for Marine Debris is a collaborative effort with Alaska Sea Grant and many partners focused on targeting removal operations and working to serve the identified and emergent needs of the marine debris community across the state, including debris collection, monitoring, analysis, transport, and disposal.

The Center is supporting targeted cleanup activities around the state, providing additional funding to support communities with removal activities, and supporting groups to identify and implement optimal disposal approaches, including recycling and the necessary sorting and processing steps for each recycling technology.

Partners currently include:

woman wearing hat and rain gear on a boat

Fellow spotlight: Biz Wallace

October 5, 2023

For her Alaska Sea Grant State Fellowship, Biz Wallace is working on the Alaska Clean Harbors Program. The voluntary statewide program helps harbormasters, communities and boaters prevent pollution and reduce waste. Wallace is focused on increasing harbor participation, developing a tiered certification system, and public outreach events and activities.