Southeast Florida Marine Debris Reporting and Removal Program
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection coordinates the southeast Florida Marine Debris Reporting and Removal Program for the Kristin Jacobs Coral Aquatic Preserve (KJCAP).
KJCAP lies offshore of Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Martin counties and encompasses the northern portion of Florida’s Coral Reef. The marine debris program encourages boaters, local divers and dive shops to report marine incidents through SEAFAN.net or by calling the SEAFAN hotline at 866-770-SEFL (7335).
Get Involved
- To report marine debris, complete an online report through SEAFAN or call 1-866-770-SEFL (7335).
- Participate in a community-based beach cleanups or an underwater reef cleanup in the southeast Florida region. Select the buttons below to learn more about these cleanups in your area.
Addressing Marine Debris
Located near four of the state's most densely populated counties, southeast Florida's reefs face growing challenges. As these coastal populations expand, recreational use of resources by local divers, fishers and boaters continues to increase.
Marine debris is a widespread issue caused by discarded items that are washed into waterways by rain, wind and storm drains; deposited on beaches; or abandoned by divers, fishers and boaters. Common marine debris items include fishing and boating materials (such as lines, nets, and anchors), plastics (such as water bottles and bags), household items (such as lawn chairs), and materials displaced by strong weather events.
Marine debris can damage sponges and corals by smothering them, as well as entangle fish and other mobile reef organisms, often resulting in injury or death. With continued population growth and increasing use of reef resources, maintaining the Marine Debris Reporting and Removal Program and minimizing debris impacts is a priority.
Program Priorities
Maintain a marine debris reporting database including: location, type and quantity of debris.
Raise awareness of marine debris impacts and promote prevention through public outreach and education.
Organize an annual reef cleanup within KJCAP in partnership with Friends of Our Florida Reefs, local dive shops, charter operators and divers.
Record the quantity of debris removed (by item count and weight), sites visited and number of participating divers during the annual reef cleanup.
Provide briefings on safe and effective debris removal techniques to protect both divers and reef organisms.
Increase awareness of management and conservation initiatives within KJCAP.
Collaborate with the four adjacent counties to coordinate marine debris removal efforts within their jurisdictions.
Annual Southeast Florida Reef Cleanup Flyers
Reef Cleanup Summary Reports
- Year 1 Cleanup Summary (2011)
- Year 2 Cleanup Summary (2012)
- Year 3 Cleanup Summary (2013)
- Year 4, 5, and 6 Cleanup Summary (2014, 2015, and 2016)
- Year 7 Cleanup Summary (2017)
- Year 8 Cleanup Summary (2018)
- Year 9 Clean-up Summary (2019)
- Year 10 Clean-up Summary (2021)
- Year 11 Clean-Up (2022)
- Year 12 Clean-Up Summary (2023)
- Year 13 Clean-Up Summary (2024)
- Year 14 Clean-Up Summary (2025)
Additional Resources
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Sign UpThe Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship – protecting our air, water and land. The vision of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystems.
Learn MoreTallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 Public.Services@FloridaDEP.gov 850-245-2118
