Marine Debris in California

California’s 3,400 miles of coastline feature an incredible diversity of habitats and marine life. A mix of major metropolitan areas and vast stretches of remote shoreline leads to various types and abundances of marine debris washing ashore. At one extreme, trash booms across Southern California can capture a large amount of single-use plastics after the first large storm—or “First Flush”—of the rainy season. On the other hand, an uninhabited beach on the North Coast sees a much lower amount of land-based debris over a large stretch of shoreline. Just offshore, derelict fishing gear and abandoned and derelict vessels threaten marine species and habitats. And all throughout California, microplastics and microfiber particles are found in ecosystems and waterways.

A holistic approach and variety of tactics are needed to solve the problem—but first and foremost is preventing debris at the source. Since 2006, the NOAA Marine Debris Program has worked with California partners to address marine debris through prevention, removal, research, monitoring and detection, emergency response, and coordination.