One of the main sources of funding for ocean cleanup in the United States is through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is responsible for managing the country’s marine resources and protecting its oceans and coasts. The NOAA’s Marine Debris Program, which was established in 2006, is one of the agency’s primary efforts to address ocean pollution and clean up debris from the nation’s waterways.

According to the NOAA’s website, the agency has allocated approximately $5 million per year to the Marine Debris Program since its inception, with the majority of that funding going towards grants for local and regional cleanup efforts. These grants support a range of initiatives, from removing large debris like abandoned fishing nets and boats, to educating the public on the importance of reducing plastic waste.

Despite the funding that is currently being allocated towards ocean cleanup in the United States, some experts argue that it is not enough to address the scale of the problem. A study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology in 2020 estimated that the cost of removing just 1% of plastic waste from the world’s oceans would be between $500 million and $5 billion per year.

In an interview with The Guardian, Dr. Jenna Jambeck, a professor of environmental engineering at the University of Georgia and one of the authors of the study, argued that more funding is needed to address the issue. “We know the cost of inaction is much higher than the cost of action,” she said.

In conclusion, the amount of money that the USA spends on ocean clean up per year varies depending on the specific programs and initiatives in question. While the NOAA and other federal agencies allocate funding towards ocean cleanup efforts, private organizations and initiatives have also played a significant role in addressing the problem. However, despite the funding that is currently being allocated towards ocean cleanup, some experts argue that more funding is needed to address the scale of the problem. As awareness of the issue continues to grow, it is likely that more resources will be dedicated towards ocean cleanup in the coming years.

Sources:

“Marine Debris Program Funding.” NOAA Marine Debris Program, National Ocean

The Ocean Clean Up is an organization that aims to develop innovative solutions to combat ocean pollution. One of their most notable projects is System 002, a passive ocean cleanup technology designed to remove plastic waste from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a massive collection of plastic waste, estimated to be twice the size of Texas. It is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, making it extremely difficult to clean up using traditional methods. That’s where System 002 comes in.

System 002 is a 600-meter-long floating system that uses ocean currents to passively capture and concentrate plastic waste. The system consists of a U-shaped barrier that traps plastic waste as it drifts by. Once the plastic is captured, it is then collected and transported back to shore for proper disposal.

One of the main advantages of System 002 is that it is entirely passive, meaning it requires no external energy source to operate. It relies solely on ocean currents to move and capture plastic waste. This makes it a cost-effective and sustainable solution to ocean pollution.

The Ocean Clean Up conducted a successful test of System 002 in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in 2021. During the six-month trial, the system captured and concentrated a significant amount of plastic waste. The results were encouraging, and The Ocean Clean Up plans to continue improving and scaling the technology to clean up more of the ocean’s plastic waste.

However, System 002 is not without its limitations. The system is not designed to capture microplastics, which are smaller than 5mm in size. Microplastics pose a significant threat to marine life and can enter the food chain, making them difficult to remove from the ocean. Additionally, the system’s reliance on ocean currents means it may not be effective in areas with weak currents.

In conclusion, System 002 is a promising technology in the fight against ocean pollution. It provides a cost-effective and sustainable solution to remove plastic waste from the ocean, and its success in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a positive step forward. However, more work needs to be done to address the issue of microplastics and to develop solutions for areas with weaker currents. Overall, System 002 is a significant development in the ongoing effort to preserve our planet’s oceans.

1. The Ocean Cleanup: This Dutch non-profit organization was founded in 2013 and is focused on developing advanced technologies to clean up plastic waste from the ocean. The organization’s most well-known project is the System 001, which is a floating device designed to collect plastic waste in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
2. 4Ocean: This organization was founded in 2017 and is focused on removing plastic waste from the ocean and coastlines. 4Ocean funds its operations through the sale of bracelets made from recycled materials, with each purchase funding the removal of one pound of plastic waste.
3. Ocean Conservancy: This organization is focused on promoting healthy ocean ecosystems and protecting marine life. Ocean Conservancy works with volunteers to clean up beaches and coastlines and advocates for policy changes to reduce plastic pollution.
4. Plastic Oceans International: This organization is focused on raising awareness of the plastic pollution crisis and promoting solutions to the problem. Plastic Oceans International produces documentaries, educational resources, and engages in advocacy to promote change.
5. Project AWARE: This organization is focused on protecting marine life and promoting healthy oceans. Project AWARE works with scuba divers and other volunteers to remove debris from the ocean, and engages in advocacy to promote changes in policy and behavior.

These are just a few examples of the many organizations working to clean up plastic waste from the ocean. By supporting these organizations and taking action to reduce our own plastic consumption, we can all make a difference in protecting our planet’s oceans.