Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Sheldon Whitehouse have announced that the Marine Debris Foundation will establish its headquarters in Juneau, Alaska. The foundation was created under the 2020 Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, co-authored by Sullivan and Whitehouse, which aims to tackle the plastic debris crisis.

Senator Sullivan expressed his satisfaction with the decision: “For the past two years, I’ve strongly supported the continued growth of the Marine Debris Foundation and relentlessly advocated for it to be headquartered in Alaska—the state with more coastline than the other 49 states combined. Today, I’m very pleased to announce the foundation will set up headquarters here in Juneau.” He emphasized Juneau's suitability due to existing ocean research programs at local universities.

Senator Whitehouse also commented on this development: “I want to congratulate my Save Our Seas partner Senator Sullivan on the news that the Marine Debris Foundation will stand up its headquarters in Juneau. Marine debris is choking our oceans, and the harms are felt most acutely in coastal states like Alaska and Rhode Island.”

Susan Sherman, executive director of the Marine Debris Foundation, highlighted Alaska's unique position regarding marine debris: “Alaska is a microcosm of the global marine debris problem... The foundation's presence in Juneau will help raise awareness of the severity of the marine debris issue in-state, nationally and internationally.”

Kristina Tirman from Ocean Conservancy welcomed this move: “Ocean Conservancy is excited to hear about the opening of a Marine Debris Foundation office in Alaska... Having a local arm to support removal and prevention of marine debris is a huge win for coastal communities across Alaska.”

Alejandro Pérez from World Wildlife Fund pointed out ongoing challenges: “Every minute, the equivalent of a dump truck of plastic waste enters our oceans... With the longest coastline in the U.S., Alaska understands well the damaging impacts of marine debris.”

The foundation will support NOAA’s Marine Debris Program by encouraging private funding and assisting various governments and organizations with mitigation efforts.