Marine Debris

Marine debris washed ashore, including plastic waste and natural materials, highlighting the environmental challenges faced by coastal areas.

Photo Courtesy Mary Lou Nicholson, Be the Solution to Pollution

People leave lasting marks—through the stories we tell and the legacies we build. In Downtown New Bedford, once the whaling capital of the world, these marks are etched into the historic waterfront and streets. But today, single-use plastics are leaving a far more harmful mark on our oceans, including New Bedford Harbor. Marine debris, from discarded plastic to fishing gear, pollutes our waters, threatening both marine life and our maritime heritage.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) (Learn more about marine debris on NOAA's website.) defines marine debris as 'any persistent solid material...disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment.' This is a crisis we can change. By making sustainable choices, we protect our oceans and preserve the legacy of New Bedford for generations to come.