NOAA today announced a total of $2.7 million in grants supporting 14 projects to address the harmful effects of marine debris on wildlife, navigation safety, economic activity, and ecosystem health. With the addition of non-federal matching contributions, the total investment in these marine debris projects is more than $5.2 million.
![A marine debris team member gathers a handful of disposable cigarette lighters picked up at a beach cleanup site. (Image credit: NOAA) A marine debris team member gathers a handful of disposable cigarette lighters picked up at a beach cleanup site.](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_width_1275/public/legacy/image/2019/Aug/20160423_NOAA_PIFSCCoralReefEcosystemProgram_053.jpg?itok=opYtySb0)
A marine debris team member gathers a handful of disposable cigarette lighters picked up at a beach cleanup site. (Image credit: NOAA)