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Aug 9, 2017 · We’ll explore tools we’ve developed to map sensitive species and habitats, how marine debris endangers marine life, how restoring toxic waste sites improves the health of wildlife, and the creation of a mobile wildlife hospital.
- Coral Reefs
- Mangroves
- Salt Marshes
- Seagrass Beds
- Sandy Beaches
- Oyster Reefs
- Deep Water Habitat
Coral reefsare believed to have the highest biodiversity of any ecosystem on the planet. Though they’re often mistaken for rocks, corals are animals whose skeletons form the foundation of a reef. These habitats support vibrant communities of plants, fish, and other organisms. Reefs can be impacted by marine debris that can smother, crush, or break ...
Mangrovesare trees that provide protection and stabilization to coastlines and enrich coastal waters. They are habitats commonly found in tropical areas that form dense forests that both animals that live on land and aquatic wildlife depend on. Marine debris is a serious threat for these habitats, as trash, derelict fishing gear, and abandoned and ...
Salt marshesare coastal wetlands made of grasses and shrubs that are flooded and drained by salt water brought in by the tides. These areas easily trap marine debris, which tends to collect during high tide when the salt marsh is mostly covered with water and is left behind during low tide when the water drains out. Debris may be repeatedly swept a...
Seagrassesare rooted, flowering marine plants that grow on the seafloor completely underwater. Worldwide, seagrasses form broad meadows which are main features along shallow-water coastal marine environments. Although they cover only 0.1% of the world’s seafloor, seagrasses produce more oxygen and capture more carbon than rainforests. Seagrass beds...
Many kinds of wildlife call sandy beaches home, from tiny microorganisms living between sand grains to nesting birds and turtles. Plastic and other marine debris can be serious hazards for these sensitive areas, even changing the physical properties of the beach itself. Plastic marine debris on beaches causes the sand to warm more slowly, compared ...
Oyster reefsare important features of estuarine areas, where salt and freshwater mix. Oysters are crucial shellfish species that feed by filtering huge amounts of water each day, improving water quality along the way. As they grow, oysters also build up rock-like reefs with their shells, which become important habitats and provide critical protecti...
Marine debris can be found in even the deepest parts of our ocean and Great Lakes. Deep water habitats are mainly made of sand, silt, or mud. Fishing nets can move these fine sediments and bury or destroy plants and animals. They can also create barriers that make it difficult for animals to return to their habitat. Plasticmarine debris can smother...
Aug 9, 2017 · Working together, we can make a big difference in the fight against marine debris. This week, NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R) is looking at the impacts of pollutants on wildlife and endangered species. This includes exploration of tools developed to map sensitive species and habitats, how marine debris endangers marine life ...
Mar 1, 2024 · Marine debris can cause a lot of problems for people, ecosystems, and our economy. It especially impacts wildlife. Marine debris has been documented by Gall and Thompson to impact more than 700 species, from coastal vegetation, to plankton, invertebrates, fish, cetaceans, sea turtles and seabirds.
Entanglement in fishing gear and marine debris can be dangerous for marine mammals and sea turtles. Learn how NOAA Fisheries and partners work to prevent entanglements and rescue entangled animals.
5 days ago · This report explores the impacts of marine debris as they affect coastal and ocean habitats, including sandy beaches, salt marshes, mangrove forests, coral reefs and hard bottom, seagrass, benthic sediments, and oyster reefs.
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Marine debris is a large and global problem. Plastics, metals, rubber, fishing gear, and other lost and discarded items enter our ocean, Great Lakes, waterways, and coastal areas every day. This challenging problem can cause negative impacts to wildlife, the environment, and the economy.
