Marine debris in the watershed is dangerous to humans and animals, causes economic impacts, and is unsightly. To some animals, floating marine debris looks like food. Fishing line entangles marine mammals and birds, and also damages fishing gear, increasing the cost of marine-based products. Approximately 60 percent of beach debris originates from inland sources of pollution such as cigarette butts and plastic drink bottles. This debris washes down storm drains directly to our estuaries and oceans. During NOAA Restoration Day in Virginia, volunteers collected more than 750 pounds of dangerous marine debris.

Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources Preston Bryant and NCBO's Director Lowell Bahner remove a large tire from the shores of the James River.	NOAA's Andrew Larkin and Demetria Thomas (left to right) search for marine debris at VCU’s Rice Center during NOAA Restoration Day in Virginia
NOAA's Andrew Larkin and Demetria Thomas (left to right) search for marine debris at VCU’s Rice Center during NOAA Restoration Day in Virginia	NCBO's Virginia Coordinator Paula Jasinski hauls away some of the 750 pounds of marine debris collected by volunteers along the James River.