Marine Debris Program Presents at the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Resource Protection and Permitting Cross-cut Meeting

JULY 18, 2022 — On July 6, 2022, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program California Regional Coordinator Christy Kehoe presented at the July  Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Resource Protection and Permitting Cross-cut Meeting. The cross-cut meeting brought together over 15 Sanctuaries staff from across the country to focus on marine debris conversations impacting our sanctuaries.

A person walking on a beach with a trashbag.
Christy Kehoe supporting removal efforts to protect the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Image credit: NOAA.

Christy provided an overview of the Marine Debris Program, including its six strategic pillars and past relationships and projects with Sanctuaries staff and local non-federal partners supporting sanctuaries. She also provided an overview of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, as well as other future opportunities for collaboration. 

Sanctuaries staff Katie Wrubel and Sean Hastings also presented on addressing marine debris in sanctuaries, including abandoned and derelict vessels, plastics, microplastics, and fishing gear. They highlighted the work of specific sanctuary sites to address debris and opportunities to mutually address marine debris to protect our sanctuaries. The Marine Debris Program is looking forward to continued partnership with Sanctuaries to keep the sanctuaries free of debris. 

For additional information, please contact Christy.Kehoe@noaa.gov.

Last updated Tuesday, November 8, 2022 1:41pm PST