Marine Debris Project

Read more about the findings of the survey conducted by University of Maine researchers this summer to understand the cost burden of disposable food packaging on Bath food service providers. Catherine Segada, a graduate research assistant and Bath community liaison with the NOAA/Sea Grant Marine Debris Challenge Project and a master’s student in anthropology and […]

Bath is joining a new pilot program next year aimed at reducing single-use food packaging waste by helping local restaurants explore reusable containers through the University of Maine’s ReuseME initiative, a project supported in part by a Maine Sea Grant-administered Marine Debris Reduction Challenge Grant to develop alternatives to disposable plastics and address marine debris […]

The Press Herald explains that coastal communities like South Portland can tackle growing plastic waste and marine debris by shifting from disposable to reusable packaging, highlighting how local reuse pilot efforts supported by research and outreach offer a practical path toward reducing single-use plastics and their impacts on Maine’s environment.

By adopting reusable food packaging systems, Bar Harbor could cut down the large amount of waste generated by summer tourism. Read more on the MD Islander.

Chyanne Yoder spoke with UMaine News about seeking to prevent plastic pollution at its source by piloting systems for reusable food containers in Maine coastal communities, reducing the need for single-use foodware.

The Maine Marine Trades Association has partnered with Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, Maine Island Trail Association and Friends of Casco Bay to bring awareness to boaters about keeping Maine waters free of debris. #LoveMaineWaters

Maine Public spoke with researchers at the University of Maine to discuss the development of highly refined cellulose coating made from wood that could replace coatings of “forever chemicals” in commercial production.

Scientists in Maine are investigating tree pulp and seaweed as possible substitutes for PFAS chemicals. Learn more about it in an article by the Bangor Daily News.

Maine Sea Grant’s Associate Director, Beth Bisson, discusses the goals of a project launched in August of 2023, titled Reducing Marine Debris at the Source: Material Replacement and Source Reduction for Single Use Food Packaging.

Visit the Portland Press Herald to read about how you can help keep debris out of oceans.