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Cleaning Shorelines, Inspiring Change

Growing Partnerships and
Environmental Action

During the winter of 2023-24, the MD&PP program
collaborated with staff from the CCS Marine Fisheries
Research Program and local fishermen to conduct their
annual ghost gear removal efforts in Cape Cod Bay.
Operating out of Sandwich and Provincetown, they
removed hundreds of lost lobster traps and several tons
of rope.

Recovered lobster traps from the ghost gear removal project.

In June, the Gulf of Maine Council presented MD&PP
Director Laura Ludwig with its Visionary Award for
“outstanding innovation, creativity, and commitment to
protecting natural resources within the Gulf of Maine,”
pictured here with Coastal Zone Management Director Alison
Brizius.

Community support is the foundation of MD&PP work.
This year, the program removed over 25 tons of debris
from six island shorelines, many acres of the ocean
floor, and 49 miles of coastline. More than 120 Beach
Brigade volunteers sorted and inventoried each piece
of debris, captured trap tag data, contributed graphic
design services, assisted with debris art exhibits, and
cooked for dozens during week-long cleanup residencies.
Community partners contributed by donating meals,
offering workshop space for trash tallies, showcasing
debris art, providing vessels or vehicles for removals, and
supporting the program year-round.

2024 Joanna Toole Foundation Intern Wilson Haims with fishing gear
debris recovered from the seafloor in Cape Cod Bay.
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