$4.9 Million Awarded for Marine Debris Removal in the Marianas and the Pacific

Pacific Coastal Research and Planning has been awarded $4,937,010 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to remove 23 abandoned boats and an estimated 40,000 pounds of derelict fishing gear from the coastal environments of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia. The project will support approximately 60 local marine contractor and project coordination jobs while helping restore biologically rich coastal ecosystems and strengthen nature-based tourism economies in the region. Congratulations to the team leading this effort, which will protect our marine environment and create opportunities for our people.

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