Dear Great Lakes community,
The end of the year can feel full of frenzy for many reasons. I encourage you to channel that energy into positive reflection on the many amazing marine debris accomplishments we've all contributed to in 2024 and what's on the horizon.
But before diving into our fall newsletter, first things first. Explore the many ways to reduce, reuse, and refuse with our "Guide to a Greener Holiday" blog series: your one stop shop for a cooler and more conscientious holiday season.
While we don't except everyone to live a perfect zero waste lifestyle, we do need everyone to try and start somewhere. Thank you for following along and doing your part to prevent marine debris.
Now, enjoy!
Haley Dalian Great Lakes Regional Coordinator
 Participate in the NOAA Marine Debris Program Annual Art Contest and Download Our 2025 Calendar
Artwork by Sahini K. (Grade 6, Florida), winner of the annual NOAA Marine Debris Program Art Contest.
The NOAA Marine Debris Program holds an annual art contest to reach K–8th grade students and help raise awareness about marine debris. Marine debris is a global issue and we believe that engaging our youth is an important part of addressing the problem. The resulting calendar, featuring the winning artwork, provides a daily reminder of how important it is for us to be responsible stewards of the ocean.
Submit your art online or by mail, always with an entry form. Entries are due December 13, 2024 for the 2026 calendar.
We are also proud to share that our 2025 Marine Debris Calendar is now available for download. It features the artwork of 13 K–8th grade students from eight states and two U.S. territories, all winners of the “Keep the Sea Free of Debris” art contest. To view and print the 2025 calendar, click here.
 Deadline Tomorrow: Ocean Odyssey Marine Debris Prevention Awards for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility (DEIJA)
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Educator Workshop in July 2024 (Photo credit: NOAA).
There's still time to apply for the Ocean Odyssey Grants' Marine Debris Prevention Awards for DEIJA. The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, in partnership with the NOAA Marine Debris Program, is seeking projects centered on marine debris prevention, education, and outreach activities. Award sizes will range between $5,000 – $10,000 to support communities that are underserved, underrepresented, or overburdened by marine debris.
Click here to review the full Request for Proposals and submit your application by November 20, 11:59PM ET.
Launch of the NOAA Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project (MDMAP) Nationwide Survey
Debris surveyed from Casco Twp. Nature Preserve (Photo credit: USCG Auxiliary, Sector Lake Michigan, Division 33).
The NOAA Marine Debris Program is proud to announce the launch of the NOAA Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project Nationwide Survey. This one-year survey will be conducted in partnership with 1stMission LLC and represents an investment of over $3.3 million in federal funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
It will establish a scientifically valid baseline assessment of marine debris found on U.S. shorelines, including the continental U.S., Caribbean, Alaska, Pacific Islands, and Great Lakes, as well as a longer-term vision for documenting trends. Great Lakes Environmental Center is leading data collection in the Great Lakes region.
Click here to read more about this exciting project.
Call for Abstracts: Plastic Debris Session at the 2025 International Conference on Great Lakes Research
The International Association for Great Lakes Research will hold its 68th Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research from June 2–6, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Forty-seven sessions have been proposed to complement the theme, Creating Great Lakes Resilience. One session, co-chaired by me, is "Plastic Debris in the Great Lakes: Advancements, Gaps, and Paths Forward."
Abstract submissions are now open for both oral and poster presentations. Both types may be given in person or virtually. All abstracts must be submitted online by Monday, December 16, 2024. Click here to learn more and submit.
New U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Resources: Identifying Sustainable Food Service and Food Service Ware
Identifying Sustainable Food Service and Food Service Ware (Graphic credit: U.S. EPA).
When looking to make your food service sustainable, there are many options to consider. The EPA's new webpage, Identifying Sustainable Food Service and Food Service Ware, provides resources on sustainable food service practices (e.g. food and beverage offerings, waste management options, energy and water efficient operations, etc.) as well as some of the products that may be provided under these services, like plates, cutlery, take-out containers, and more.
Click here to view additional food waste resources and learn more.
Cross-Regional Corner: North Carolina Resident Creates Educational Marine Debris Halloween Display
Halloween display raises awareness about marine debris off of North Carolina’s coast (Credit: WECT News 6).
Though Halloween season has past, there are always opportunities to engage with your family, co-workers, and neighbors about the frightfully persistent issue of marine debris. One North Carolina resident has made an annual Halloween tradition of displaying marine debris in front of his home, including a derelict sailboat, to entertain but more importantly inspire passersby to get involved in the issue.
Upcoming Webinar: Tropical Islands Partnering on Solutions for Marine Debris Webinar Series
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Tune into the next webinar in the Tropical Islands Partnering on Solutions series (Graphic credit: NOAA).
Looking for some vicarious sunshine, warmth, and inspiration in the fight against marine debris? Join the NOAA Marine Debris Program on December 10 for the next webinar in our Tropical Islands Partnering on Solutions (TIPS) for Marine Debris series. This upcoming webinar "From Gear to Ghost: Reeling in the Problem" will tackle the problem of abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear.
Click here to register and explore our past webinars.
Explore More Upcoming Opportunities
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BoatUS Foundation: Call for Database Feedback and Notice of Upcoming Virtual Summit
With funding from the NOAA Marine Debris Program provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, BoatUS Foundation is seeking feedback for the development of a nationwide abandoned and derelict vessel (ADV) database. The ADV database will serve as a flexible platform for users to report, track, and visualize ADV locations and removals.
Many entities are encouraged to share their anonymous feedback, including but not limited to agencies who currently report or collect ADV data, government or law enforcement employees, environmental organizations, and boating or maritime groups.
Turning the Tide Online will be a three-day virtual summit to explore existing and emerging technologies and best practices for the sustainable disposal of boating-related waste streams. Topics will cover fiberglass, shrink wrap, pyrotechnic flares, fishing gear, and more.
Feedback Deadline: December 17, 2024
Virtual Summit Dates: February 25–27, 2025
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Pollution Prevention Project Webinar Series: Construction Foam
The University of Toronto Trash Team is hosting a webinar to discuss construction foam, the problems with foam insulation, and other materials that can leak from construction sites into local ecosystems. They also plan to share updates about a recent, pilot project to engage industry in reducing pollution at the source. Click here to learn more and register.
Join on December 3, 2024 at 12:00PM ET
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Michigan Watershed Council Grant Program – Fiscal Year 2025 Request for Proposals
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced $600,000 in funding available under the Watershed Council Grant Program. Funds are available for general organizational support as well as conservation and educational activities. Watershed Councils and Watershed Alliances established under State law and entities with 501(c)(3) status as well as local units of government, tribal entities, colleges, and universities are eligible for this funding. Individual grants are capped at $40,000 and should be completed in 12 months. No audit or local match is required. Click here for full details and to apply.
Deadline: December 4, 2024 by 11:59PM ET
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Student Shorts Film Competition Featuring Great Lakes – Thunder Bay International Film Festival 2025
Each year, the Student Shorts Film Competition is an exciting part of Thunder Bay International Film Festival.
Middle and high school students (6th-12th grade) are eligible to enter individually or as a team, and there is no entry fee for the competition. Submit a short film of three minutes or less, and selected films will be shown at the festival on Saturday, January 25 at 3:00PM ET.
Read up on the guidelines, judging criteria, and how to submit here.
Submission Deadline: December 20, 2024
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EPA Consumer Recycling Education and Outreach Grant Program
The EPA announces the Recycling Education and Outreach Grant Program funds projects that reduce greenhouse gases, decrease food waste from households, expand markets and sales of compost, and inform the public about new and existing food waste composting programs and acceptable materials to increase collection rates and decrease contamination. Click here for more information.
Deadline: December 20, 2024, 11:59PM ET
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NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador Program
Are you a youth passionate about the ocean and the natural environment? Are you looking for a way to develop the skills you need to engage in conservation and stewardship opportunities? Do you want to connect with like-minded youth and become an environmental leader at your school or in your community? Then you should apply to the new NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador Program.
The NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador program provides a new level of engagement for youth aged 13-18 committed to ocean conservation and stewardship of our blue planet. We are looking for enthusiastic youth with new ideas and a unique perspective to learn more about America’s underwater treasures and to share their passion with others.
Deadline: January 5, 2025
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