(WASHINGTON) — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced the availability of up to $54 million across two funding opportunities to address marine debris throughout the coastal and Great Lakes states, territories and Freely Associated States.
These funding opportunities allow NOAA to support impactful, large-scale marine debris removal projects, as well as the installation, monitoring and maintenance of proven marine debris interception technologies.
The opportunities are a part of NOAA’s Climate-Ready Coasts Initiative under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The initiative is focused on creating climate solutions by storing carbon; building resilience to coastal hazards such as extreme weather events, pollution and marine debris; restoring coastal habitats; building the capacity of underserved communities; and supporting community-driven restoration.
The two funding opportunities include:
• Marine debris removal, which prioritizes large-scale removal projects that focus on marine debris that is generally unable to be collected by hand, including abandoned and derelict vessels, derelict fishing gear and other large debris. Letters of intent are required and are due on Sept. 27.
• Marine debris interception technologies, which prioritize the installation, monitoring and maintenance of proven interception technologies that capture marine debris at or close to known debris sources or pathways. Letters of intent are required and are due on Oct. 9.
Each funding opportunity will be reviewed separately due to different application requirements. Applicants and awardees are encouraged to support the principles of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility when writing proposals and performing work. NOAA will select projects through a rigorous and competitive merit review process.
For more information on these marine debris grant opportunities, visit the NOAA Marine Debris Program’s website.
– National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
