The Marine Debris Program has partnered with the National Park Service to design and install educational displays that will reach park visitors and encourage marine debris prevention in ways that are tailored to each park’s environment and character. Cape Cod National Seashore was one of three parks selected for the 2022 round of funding, and recently became the first display featured in Massachusetts. The new sculpture, an Atlantic white shark named Sugar, marries marine conservation with art, an effort very important to Provincetown, Massachusetts, residents and visitors alike.

The unveiling event featured remarks from the artist, Cindy Pease Roe of UpSculpt, Park staff, NOAA staff, and Laura Ludwig, the Center for Coastal Studies’ Marine Debris and Plastics Program Coordinator. Laura, along with her team of volunteers, the Beach Brigade, collected and sorted marine debris from Seashore beaches to support the creation of Sugar. MDP Communications Specialist, Emma Tonge, and Northeast Regional Coordinator, Demi Fox also attended the event on behalf of the Program to celebrate the importance of this work. Following the recognition, guests were invited to take a piece of derelict rope, collected during a cleanup that morning, and tie it onto the poles supporting the sculpture to mark their intention to keep Cape Cod National Seashore free from marine debris.

Throughout the event, there was clear support from the entire audience, which included many artists, elementary school students, local representatives, and the greater Provincetown community.