NOAA will provide up to $5 million to fund projects that address common marine debris issues in the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada border areas. The grant competition will focus on projects that prevent or reduce the occurrence of marine debris, and projects that remove marine debris from the environment. Projects that include collaboration with partners in Mexico and/or Canada will be prioritized.

Funding for this NOFO was provided through the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Implementation Act. The USMCA recognizes the importance of taking action to prevent and reduce marine debris, including plastic litter and microplastics, in order to preserve human health and marine and coastal ecosystems, prevent the loss of biodiversity, and mitigate the costs and impacts of marine debris. 

Full proposals are due on January 29, 2021, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. NOAA will select projects through a rigorous and highly competitive merit review process, with awards announced in the late summer of 2021, depending on the availability of appropriations. For more information on this grant opportunity, please visit Grants.gov and the NOAA Marine Debris Program’s website.

For more information, please contact Tom.Barry@noaa.gov.

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