NOAA Marine Debris Program

Downloadable, printable marine debris maps like this one are available for the northern Gulf of Mexico from Louisiana to Alabama at NOAA’s Web site.

The Marine Debris Program and Office of Response and Restoration, along with state National Sea Grant Offices, are leading a public outreach effort which includes a project Web site where users can access printable maps indicating debris location and density. The maps provide survey data to those who need it for debris avoidance and removal activities. The project website also links to a scaleable, interactive mapping server (IMS) that provides information on each marine debris item identified, and allows users to highlight unique data layers, such as navigation aids and benthic habitat information. NOAA is working collaboratively with local, state, and federal stakeholders to determine their data needs and to develop methods of disseminating this information in a useful and effective manner.