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Successful Partnerships: How to Remove 1,700 Pounds of Marine Debris from the Twilight Zone

Something unique happened in 2025 at the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, a first of its kind effort and a new page in the marine debris removal playbook—how to successfully remove 1,700 pounds of marine debris from the seafloor 180 feet below. This is a partnership story of a federal agency, zoo and aquarium, not-for-profit, and marine salvage and response group of companies joining forces to not only complete their mission but also lay the groundwork for these areas to recover. Join us for a journey into the heavy lift of commercial diving in a national marine sanctuary, and learn about additional projects underway to support the health of our oceans for future generations. (Photos courtesy of Jake Emmert/Moody Gardens and Sierra Sarkis/NOAA) 

Presented by Jake Emmert, Director of Marine Operations, Moody Gardens

Seaside Chats is an annual speaker series about ocean science and conservation topics associated with Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. These presentations take place on Wednesday evenings in February, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Central Time).

• Presentations are free and presented via webinar. Our speakers include sanctuary staff and guests from partner organizations.
• Anyone is welcome to attend, but presentation content is most suited to those in middle school and above. Please register for the webinars below.
• We are happy to provide attendance certificates for all participants and continuing professional education (CPE) hours for teachers.

For more information, contact flowergarden@noaa.gov

Seaside Chats | Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary