| Stacks of derelict crab traps collected from the Chesapeake Bay as part of the Virginia Marine Debris Removal Program (Photo Credit: Center for Coastal Resources Management). We are pleased to announce with the William and Mary's Batten School and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science 11 new marine debris removal projects under the Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program. These projects represent an investment of $1.4 million to clean our nation's waterways with funds provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These new projects will remove derelict fishing traps from coastal waterways to support fishing communities and economies while collecting data to prevent future gear loss. Learn More Green Teams at local San Luis Obispo County schools are empowered to live a more sustainable lifestyle (Photo Credit: One Cool Earth). In San Luis Obispo County, California, protecting our creeks and coastlines is a shared responsibility. The estuary, teeming with life and natural beauty, faces growing threats from pollutants that enter through creeks and rivers, impacting the delicate ecosystems that depend on clean waters. One Cool Earth wanted to help tackle these concerns. With support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program, One Cool Earth brought marine debris education into local schools, aiming to empower students to see how their choices affect our watershed and why it's worth protecting. Learn More Whenever possible, use a reusable bag and your own containers when you shop! (Photo Credit: NOAA). Happy New Year! Did you make any goals or resolutions for the upcoming year? Here at the Marine Debris Program, we are striving to reduce the amount of waste we produce annually. The EPA estimates that, on average, Americans generate 4.4 pounds of waste per person per day. The good news is that because we are the problem, we can be the solution too. Check out our blog for five simple ways you can resolve to reduce waste this year! Learn More Learn more about how you can lead your own community cleanup (Photo Credit: InsideCreativeHouse via Adobe Stock). January 20th is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Service Event and let's remember that it's not just a day off from work and school, but a day to think about Martin Luther King, Jr. and what he did for our country. To commemorate a great man who spent his life serving others, this day has become a time to come together to give back to our communities and volunteer our time to a good cause. If you'd like to participate in Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Day, consider joining a cleanup in your area. Cleaning up your local shoreline or even just your neighborhood can help prevent trash from becoming marine debris and can help to create a healthy ocean that we can all enjoy. Learn More | 
