Turtle Trash Collectors is a UNCW MarineQuest outreach program funded by the NOAA Marine Debris Program. It is our goal to educate youth about the impacts of marine debris and encourage behavior changes that will reduce the generation of marine debris in the future.
Click here to become a Turtle Trash Collector!
Click here to request your badges!
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now offering free VIRTUAL Turtle Trash Collectors programs!
Click here to join a scheduled public program
Click here to book a program for
your students, scouts, or network
The Bad News About Marine Debris:
Marine debris, or trash that ends up in the ocean, has major impacts on all kinds of marine animals, especially sea turtles. These iconic animals can confuse plastic bags and balloons for jellyfish, their favorite food. Any debris that ends up in their system can get stuck, making the turtle feel full so that they stop eating. They can also swallow fishing hooks and even get caught in fishing nets! Since sea turtles are endangered species, we need to find a way to protect them from the impacts of marine debris.
The Good News is...
You can help! Our actions play a big role in the fate of the oceans and our beloved sea turtles! Just by making three easy changes in your life, you can help make our planet a safer place for our sea turtles and ourselves:
- Reduce how much plastic you use every day. Opt for reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and food containers.
- Help clean up your community. Pick up trash that you see when you are outside to make sure it does not end up in the ocean.
- Join our Turtle Trash Collector badge program to earn badges for your efforts!
2TC Events
Join us for an upcoming public program! Click here for dates.
NEW 2TC Citizen Science Project! Click here to help us discover if marine debris has changed in light of quarantines around the world.
2TC in the News
Turtle Trash Collectors Adapt to COVID-19 (Coastal Review Online)
Turtle Trash Collectors Goes Virtual! (NOAA Marine Debris)
Tackling Hurricane Marine Debris in the Southeast (NOAA via WeatherNation)
Turtle Trash Collectors: Where Classroom Simulations Lead to Action Against Marine Debris (NOAA Marine Debris)
MarineQuest Receives NOAA Grant for new Turtle Trash Collectors Program (UNCW)
The NOAA Marine Debris Program Awards Funding to 23 New Projects (NOAA)
Resources
NOAA Marine Debris Program Website
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center
For more resources, visit our Resources page.
Ask A Scientist
Do you have a question about marine debris or sea turtles that you would like to ask our specialist? Click here to "Ask a Scientist"!