Marine Debris Awareness

Marine debris, in addition to being unsightly, can also pose a threat to beachgoers and wildlife. You can help reduce the amount of debris that enters the oceans, and finds its way to beaches by following these guidelines:

• Think about the materials and packaging you are taking to the beach. Choose reusable items and use fewer disposable ones.
• Keep streets, sidewalks, parking lots and storm drains free of trash – they can empty into our oceans and waterways.
• At the beach, park, or playground, dispose of all trash in the proper receptacles or take your trash home with you.
• On a boat, bring all of your trash back to shore for proper disposal in trash cans or recycling bins, including fishing line and other fishing gear.
• Support environmentally responsible marinas.
• Properly stow and secure all trash on your boat.
• Remember that it is illegal to dispose of any plastic materials in all U.S. waters and anywhere at sea.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Get involved in cleanups in your area and encourage others to help keep the beaches and oceans clean.
• Report illegal dumping to your local U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Office.