Marine Debris and Beach Cleanups: What Washes Up, Why It Matters and How to Help
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How we wrote this: A plain-English summary of NOAA Marine Debris Program pages, checked October 29, 2026.
What marine debris is
NOAA defines marine debris as any persistent, manufactured or processed solid material that ends up in the ocean or the Great Lakes, whether discarded or lost, on purpose or by accident. Anything human-made and solid can become marine debris.
Among the most common and harmful types, NOAA lists:
- plastics, such as cigarette butts, plastic bags and food wrappers,
- derelict fishing gear,
- microplastics, pieces too small to see easily.
What you'll see on a beach depends on where you are. NOAA notes that plastic dominates many beaches, while construction debris or fishing gear is more common in others.
How big is the problem?
NOAA cites a study estimating that in 2016, as much as 23 million metric tons of plastic waste entered aquatic ecosystems from land worldwide. That figure doesn't count non-plastic debris or ocean-based sources such as lost fishing gear.
Why it matters
- Wildlife: NOAA cites research documenting impacts on more than 700 species. Animals get entangled, or they swallow debris, which can block their stomachs or make them feel falsely full. NOAA notes that turtles may mistake balloons or plastic bags for food (see sea turtle nesting beaches).
- Habitats and boats: derelict vessels and gear damage habitats and can be navigation hazards.
- Hitchhikers: debris can carry non-native species to new places.
- Economy: dirty beaches hurt tourism and recreation.
- People: sharp or hazardous debris can injure beachgoers.
How you can help
NOAA's ideas:
- Join or lead a cleanup on a beach, a river or even your street, since trash travels to the sea.
- Bring reusables. NOAA notes food packaging is one of the most common items found in cleanups.
- Share instead of tossing: swaps, yard sales, borrowing centers.
- Contact your NOAA Marine Debris Program regional coordinator to learn about local issues.
On a beach day, pack out everything you bring, including toys and broken gear (see our sandcastle kit checklist).