The NOAA Marine Debris Program, authorized in the Marine Debris Act, codified at 33 U.S.C. § 1951 et seq., supports the development and implementation of marine debris assessment, removal, and prevention projects that benefit coastal habitat, waterways, and marine and Great Lake resources. Through this solicitation, NOAA seeks to openly compete funding made available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (PL 117-58) to support impactful marine debris removal efforts throughout the coastal United States, Great Lakes, territories, and Freely Associated States. There are two separate priorities for this solicitation: the first priority aims to support highly capable applicants in creating and administering national and/or regional marine debris removal programs (hereafter, “partnerships”) for the removal and disposal of large marine debris, such as abandoned and derelict vessels, derelict fishing gear, and other large debris. The second priority aims to support marine debris removal through the development, deployment, and management of proven interception technologies to capture ocean and Great Lakes bound trash and marine debris in coastal riverine, shoreline, estuarine, and urban environments.
The NOFO describes the types of partnerships and projects that are eligible for funding, as well as the proposal requirements and criteria under which applications will be evaluated for funding consideration. Funding of up to $56 million is expected to be available split between both priorities of this solicitation. NOAA expects to support between six to ten partnerships under Priority 1, but may support more or fewer based on the merit of submitted applications and their proposed geographies and scale. For Priority 2, the number of marine debris interception projects will be based on the merit of submitted applications.
This funding opportunity will support organizations that will collaborate with diverse entities and groups. These include (but are not limited to) collaborations with public and nonprofit organizations, community and watershed groups, anglers, boaters, industry (e.g., commercial and recreational fishing industries, other marine industries, and plastic and waste management industries), corporations and businesses, youth groups, students, landowners, academia, tribal governments, and local and state government agencies.
For funding priorities, see https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/NOAA-NOS-ORR-2022-2007199%20NOFO%20Report.pdf#page=6.
Estimated Total Program Funding:
