project brief
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation led a marine debris cleanup initiative in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, removing 1,456 pounds of debris from sensitive coral reef areas and restoration efforts.
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
The Florida Keys
Award
$ 18,114
Funding Start Date
Nov 1, 2023
Funding End Date
Aug 31, 2024
Funding Partner
Project Objectives
Project Description
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation was awarded $18,114 for marine debris cleanup in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (NMS). A review of all marine debris found, removed, and reported in 2018-2022 showed that the top ten debris items affecting the Florida Keys Reef Tract are:
- Fishing line/monofilament
- Cloth rope from anchors and traps
- Fishing sinkers, lures, and hooks
- Wood lobster trap fragments
- Plastic and nylon rope (lobster and crab traps)
- Fishing traps and pots
- Fishing rods and poles
- Glass beverage bottles
- Aluminum cans
- Wire mesh and metal trap fragments
The persistent marine debris problem in the Florida Keys is also further worsened by increased storm activity.
To combat this, the “Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys” initiative was developed through the National Marine Sanctuary. Dive operators apply through a competitive request-for-proposals process to receive funding from the Foundation to engage and oversee volunteer divers in marine debris removal.
FishAmerica funds supported 24 cleanup dives covering 76,000 square meters of seafloor where 1,456 pounds of derelict fishing traps, anchors, monofilament, and other marine debris were successfully removed. Participating dive operators educated and engaged 349 individuals.
