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Contact: Nick Clemons
Patchogue, NY - Fire Island National Seashore has new educational exhibits focusing on marine debris. Marine debris is one of the most widespread pollution problems facing the world’s oceans and waterways, with direct impacts on Fire Island National Seashore.To help raise awareness of the impacts of marine debris, the park developed a series of educational displays, including informational waysides about plastic pollution, microplastics and derelict fishing gear; an interactive microplastics investigation station; a Junior Ranger activity sheet; and an Osprey sculpture crafted by a local artist from locally collected marine debris.
“The panels and associated exhibits located throughout the island bring awareness to a growing issue of microplastics found on our beaches and in our waterways. While bringing awareness, they offer everyday solutions visitors can make to reduce microplastics on the island.” said Deputy Superintendent Scott McCormick.
In 2020, the National Park Service teamed up with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program to raise awareness about the sources and impacts of marine debris and to encourage individuals to take action to prevent marine debris. This five-year partnership supports the development and installation of outreach and educational exhibits in coastal national parks. The new marine debris educational displays at Fire Island National Seashore were made possible by this partnership and funding provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Marine Debris Program.
"The NOAA Marine Debris Program is proud to partner with the National Park Service. Through this series of interactive and educational displays, visitors to Fire Island National Seashore will have an opportunity to learn about the impacts of marine debris on our coastal environment and consider solutions to prevent this globally pervasive issue” said NOAA Marine Debris Program Mid-Atlantic Regional Coordinator Katie Morgan.
Visitors can find the new displays and activities throughout the seashore. Wayside panels are located at the Fire Island Lighthouse, Watch Hill, Sailors Haven, and the Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness Visitor Center. The osprey sculpture made of marine debris is at the Watch Hill Dune Station. Junior Ranger activity sheets and the hands-on microplastics workstations are at the Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness Visitor Center and Sailors Haven Visitor Center.
Last updated: May 29, 2024