The project seeks to build a local partnership to identify and actively address marine debris prevention and removal in two of new york citys most environmentally distressed areas: (1) arverne and far…

The project seeks to build a local partnership to identify and actively address marine debris prevention and removal in two of new york citys most environmentally distressed areas: (1) arverne and far rockaway, in the borough of queens, fronting the atlantic ocean, and (2) canarsie, in the borough of brooklyn, fronting jamaica BAY. Both neighborhoods are deeply challenged by neglected and debris-clogged beaches. While geographically located in different NYC boroughs, arverne/far rockaway and canarsie are both designated as overburdened and underserved on the climate and economic justice screen tool (cejst) map and both have similar significant marine debris problems that can be addressed successfully under this collaborative approach. Each year, tons of debris end up in the water and on beaches here, threatening both wildlife and the health, safety, and enjoyment of local residents and visitors who use the beaches. New york sea grant will partner with NYC H20 and rise (rockaway initiative for sustainability and equity), two long standing nonprofit organizations deeply rooted in their communities who will leverage their local networks to bring communities together to address the prevention and removal of marine debris. Funds will directly benefit both underserved and underrepresented communities of color and will create meaningful community partnerships for sustainable solutions to local marine debris. B-q clean up will develop a coordinated and collaborative systems approach to (a) address debris removal, (b) promote awareness, and (c) provide no-cost environmental education to students and adults of all ages about personal actions and everyday behavior changes that decrease marine debris and promote policy initiatives that address marine debris. Overarching project objectives are to achieve cleaner beaches in historically underserved and distressed communities and to engage diverse community members in accessible environmental stewardship activities that will benefit their local beaches and natural ecosystems. The project aligns with funding priorities, supports noaas mission to protect the nations natural resources, and responds to the JUSTICE40 initiative and noaas 2021 mid-atlantic marine debris action plan. Primary activities/deliverables each year include 8 large beach cleanup events that include environmental education sessions and citizen science data collection, community conversations that welcome diverse voices, 4 student field trips, and a virtual workshop called clean beaches 101.