THE ISSUE: MARINE DEBRIS

Whale Creek, along the Newtown Creek Nature Walk, June 2025

Here in New York City, there is not a lot of comprehensive data that tracks where and how debris gets into our waterways. But there is ample evidence that it does, as proven by the photos shown here. Where could it come from? For one, our city’s municipal storm water drains and combined sewage systems both empty into our waterways. This means that trash on our streets and roadways go into our storm drains, and when it rains over 1”, our sewer system diverts overflow into our rivers. Another potential source could be from our open spaces: over the last decade or so, the city has improved public access to the water’s edge by building public parks along our riverfronts. More visitors, unfortunately, also means more trash, and even a chip bag that’s already in a garbage bin can end up in the river with the right breeze. 

Our goal is to try to identify the sources, remove the trash and work on prevention. Learn more about how we want to monitor and analyze the trash in NYC waterways here.

Marine debris is a serious problem in our waterways. It is defined as “any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment” (NOAA). Things like soda cans, food packaging, fishing gear or even derelict boats become marine debris once they enter our waterways. 

Human-made materials have been found in every part of our oceans. We have all seen the grim images of animals entrapped in plastic rings or nets. What’s more, as the debris breaks down over time, it becomes even more hazardous to marine and human life, as it enters the body. 

Gowanus Dredgers dock on the Gowanus Canal, March 2024

BECOME A PARTNER IN CLEANING OUR WATERWAYS!

EMAIL US AT marinedebrisfieldkit@gmail.com