The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and NOAA announced over $6 million in grants for marine debris removal in Alaska, Florida, and Puerto Rico, stemming from recent hurricanes. This funding, designed to benefit affected communities and ecosystems, targets the removal of various debris types impacting safety and wildlife. The initiative aims to expedite clean-up efforts, supporting ecological restoration and community safety in disaster-stricken coastal areas.
On January 16, 2025, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Debris Program announced over $6 million in grants aimed at removing marine debris caused by hurricanes and natural disasters in coastal regions of Alaska, Florida, and Puerto Rico. This funding, derived from the Fiscal Year 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, seeks to mitigate impacts on affected communities and ecosystems, while safeguarding fish and wildlife habitats.
The grants originate from the Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund, a collaboration initiated in 2019 between NFWF and the NOAA Marine Debris Program. The program streamlines the grant-awarding process for projects focused on the removal and proper disposal of marine debris resulting from severe storms, enabling rapid action in affected areas.
“Years after storms and after the immediate human health and safety needs have been addressed, many of these impacted communities are still dealing with debris fields that can be miles long,” stated Jeff Trandahl, NFWF’s Executive Director and CEO. The accumulated debris poses risks to both human safety and wildlife, further exacerbating the challenges faced by these communities.
Hurricanes create vast amounts of marine debris, including wrecked boats, displaced fishing gear, and debris from flooding such as vehicles and building materials. This waste endangers coastal communities, affecting navigation, tourism, and local industries, while harming wildlife and their habitats.
Jason Rolfe, NOAA Marine Debris Program’s Response Team Lead, remarked, “Hurricanes and other natural disasters create substantial amounts of debris that can damage the environment for many years and pose unique challenges for removal.” The ongoing collaboration between NOAA and NFWF aims to address these environmental threats effectively.
The announced grants will focus on cleaning debris from sensitive tundra habitats in Alaska affected by Typhoon Merbok, alongside efforts in Puerto Rico and Florida to clear abandoned vessels and structures that threaten local ecosystems and public safety. The Removal Fund particularly prioritizes projects providing dual benefits to both human and wildlife communities.
This funding is designed for projects ready for immediate implementation, ensuring that clean-up efforts yield swift and efficient outcomes. A detailed list of the latest grants from the Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund is available through NFWF’s official channels.
The NFWF and NOAA’s collaboration focuses on addressing the long-term impact of marine debris following severe storms and hurricanes. Many coastal areas continue to contend with the aftermath of these disasters, which result in extensive debris accumulation that poses threats to local ecosystems and community safety. This funding initiative promotes swift action to mitigate these adverse effects, underscoring the importance of environmental restoration efforts in hurricane-stricken regions. The grants from the Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund emphasize the dual benefits of protecting human habitats while also safeguarding wildlife and marine environments.
The $6 million grants announced by NFWF and NOAA represent a significant commitment to addressing marine debris in communities impacted by hurricanes and natural disasters. By prioritizing immediate clean-up efforts in affected regions, these grants aim to enhance safety and restore local ecosystems for both residents and wildlife. The collaboration between federal programs reflects a proactive approach to disaster response and environmental protection.
Original Source: www.nfwf.org
