US to provide $27m in funding to marine debris removal projects

The US Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will provide $27m in funding to a number of projects designed to prevent and remove marine debris in communities in coastal and Great Lakes areas. The projects have been chosen via the Marine Debris Challenge Competition and the Marine Debris Community Action Coalitions. The funding will provide communities with tools and resources to protect ecosystems and help local economies. One of key threats to wildlife on coastlines is posed by ghost nets, or abandoned fishing nets, that destroy coral reefs and trap wildlife. (WeAreAquaculture)