NFWF Allocates $6 Million for Marine Debris Removal Post-Hurricanes

The NFWF announced $6 million in grants to assist coastal communities in Alaska, Florida, and Puerto Rico in removing marine debris caused by recent hurricanes. The funding is part of an initiative launched in 2019 to expedite the removal process following natural disasters, highlighting ongoing environmental challenges and the need for collaborative efforts to mitigate impacts on communities and ecosystems.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and NOAA Marine Debris Program have unveiled over $6 million in grants aimed at eliminating marine debris resulting from hurricanes and other natural disasters across coastal Alaska, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Funded by the Fiscal Year 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, these grants seek to diminish the adverse effects on communities and prevent ongoing harm to ecosystems.

These funds will be administered through the Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund, which was established in 2019 for the expedited removal of marine debris post-storm. “Many of these impacted communities are still dealing with debris fields that can be miles long,” stated Jeff Trandahl, executive director of NFWF, emphasizing the long-term consequences of such debris on environments and wildlife.

The aftermath of storms frequently leads to substantial marine debris such as overturned vessels, discarded fishing gear, and wrecked infrastructure, along with a variety of terrestrial debris including trees and wrecked vehicles. This debris poses hazards to both coastal communities and the marine ecosystem.

NOAA’s Jason Rolfe remarked, “Hurricanes and other natural disasters create substantial amounts of debris that can damage the environment for many years and pose unique challenges for removal.” His comments underscore the importance of continued efforts to address the challenges posed by marine debris.

This new funding supports five projects collaborating with 19 rural communities in Alaska to address debris from Typhoon Merbok, along with efforts in Puerto Rico and Florida to remove hazardous remnants left post-cleanup. These initiatives prioritize both human welfare and the protection of wildlife and habitats.

Through the assessment conducted by governmental response agencies, this program specifically targets projects that can facilitate immediate cleanup efforts, thereby accelerating positive outcomes for communities affected by marine debris. Additional information regarding the grants distributed through this funding initiative is available online.

The announcement from NFWF regarding $6 million in grants focuses on the removal of marine debris generated by recent hurricanes and natural disasters. Such debris poses not only immediate threats to coastal communities but also long-term environmental implications for marine life and local habitats. The partnership between NFWF and NOAA underscores the urgency of addressing these pressing environmental challenges brought on by severe weather events, with funding made available to facilitate rapid response and cleanup in affected areas.

In summary, the NFWF’s recent allocation of over $6 million for marine debris removal highlights the ongoing challenges coastal communities face after hurricanes. The initiative seeks to not only address the immediate dangers posed by debris but also to ensure long-term ecological restoration and community safety. By prioritizing expedient cleanup efforts, this funding aims to protect both human and wildlife populations impacted by natural disasters.

Original Source: www.nfwf.org