The mobility of marine and land debris has created a global problem that has local solutions. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) Marine Debris Citizen Science program was created in 2012 and is funded by the Southeast Atlantic Marine Debris Initiative which is part of the NOAA Marine Debris program. Marine Debris Citizen Science participants keep Jekyll Island’s beaches free of marine debris. They help protect sea turtle and shorebird nesting habitats by collecting and bagging debris along stretches of beach. They also record where, when, what and how much debris is picked up using the Marine Debris Tracker application. While on the beach, Marine Debris Citizen Science participants will also have an opportunity to interpret and educate visitors to the coastal area about sea turtle biology and beach ecology.
Check out our Marine Debris Initiative for more information as well as an overview of opportunities available. If you are interested in our Marine Debris Initiative, please contact us at gstcvolunteer@jekyllisland.com.
Citizen Science Marine Debris Trackers
Youth citizen science group