The NOAA Marine Debris Program, authorized in the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act, codified at 33 U.S.C.
1951-1958, provides funding to support locally-driven, marine debris prevention, assessment, and removal projects that will benefit coastal habitat, waterways, and NOAA
trust resources.
Funding for this purpose comes through the NOAA Marine Debris Program as appropriations to the Office of Response and Restoration, National Ocean Service.
Projects awarded through this grant competition will implement effective, on-the-ground marine debris removal activities, with priority for those targeting medium- large-scale debris, including derelict fishing gear.
Projects should also provide benefits to coastal communities, and create long-term ecological habitat improvements for NOAA trust resources.
Through this solicitation NOAA identifies marine debris removal projects, fosters awareness of the effects of marine debris to further the conservation of living marine resource habitats, and contributes to the understanding of marine debris composition, distribution and impacts.
Successful proposals through this solicitation will be funded through cooperative agreements.
Funding of up to $2,000,000 is expected to be available for Community-based Marine Debris Removal Project Grants in FY201 6. Typical awards will range from $50,000 to $150,000