Human-generated trash, known as marine debris, inevitably finds its way into our waterways. During heavy rains, pollutants, including this debris, are swept from our neighborhoods through storm drains, ending up in rivers, lakes, bays, and oceans. Among these, plastic is the most prevalent. Despite its crucial role in modern life, plastic poses a significant environmental challenge as it breaks down into smaller, toxin-leaching pieces that persist indefinitely. This marine debris not only compromises water quality and threatens wildlife but also impacts human health and our tourism economy. It’s a pervasive issue that we encounter all too often, and it requires collective action to address.
Animals mistakenly eat plastic and other debris
Marine life gets caught and killed in ghost nets and entangled in fishing line, plastic bands and other marine debris.
Marine debris damages sensitive habitats, such as reefs and seagrass.
Communities lose a lot of money cleaning up trash, as well as the economic benefit of beach tourism and recreation.
Plastic item created & used
Blows from a trash can and into a storm drain
Travels through pipes and downriver
Into the ocean
Where marine life mistakes it for food
Join Tampa Bay Watch in our relentless fight against marine debris, a pressing environmental challenge endangering our waters. Through our varied programs, we’re actively safeguarding marine habitats. Each program offers a unique opportunity for community involvement in preserving the health and beauty of our marine ecosystems.
Join Tampa Bay Watch in addressing one of the planet’s most pressing challenges: marine debris. With three major community cleanups annually and additional targeted efforts, we’re tackling this threat head-on to protect our health, economy, water quality, and wildlife in the Tampa Bay region.
Join us in safeguarding our fishing heritage and marine wildlife. We offer diverse engagement opportunities, from using ‘monotubes’ for recycling fishing line to participating in our clean-a-thons, all aimed at protecting our waterways and the abundant bird life of Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast.
Help tackle the challenge of marine debris in Tampa Bay with our Derelict Crab Trap Removal program. While preventing blue crab traps from becoming derelict is challenging, our semi-annual cleanups play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy marine environment. If you encounter a derelict trap, report its location to us, and join our efforts in making our waters safer and cleaner for all.
Email Sara Brehm with questions about this program: sbrehm@tampabaywatch.org
