Name the NOAA Marine Debris Program’s Fishy Friend!
Contest begins March 31st!



The NOAA Marine Debris Program has a special underwater friend who helps them spread the word about the problems of marine debris in our waters every day! Born in 2007, this fishy friend has taken the Program’s message of “Keep the sea free of debris!” nationwide, and even internationally.

This unnamed fish has become quite a star and so, this Earth Month (April 2009), the NOAA Marine Debris Program would like to name their very special friend.

About the NOAA Marine Debris Program - Established in 2005, the NOAA Marine Debris Program supports national and international efforts to research, prevent, and reduce the impacts of marine debris. The Program’s goal is to protect and conserve our nation’s natural resources, oceans, and coastal waterways from the impacts of marine debris.

Eligibility - All students in grades 1 through 6 from all U.S. state–recognized public, private, and home schools are eligible to participate. Schools, including home schools, must be in compliance with federal and state civil rights and nondiscrimination statutes. Students may work individually, or in teams of no more than 5 students per team.

Criteria for Naming - Students are encouraged to visit the NOAA Marine Debris Program website (www.MarineDebris.noaa.gov) for information about marine debris and material that features our special friend. We also ask that you keep in mind some of our fishy friend’s favorite key messages when coming up with a name:

“Keep the sea free of debris!”
Reduce, reuse, and recycle!
Marine debris is a global problem we can solve and by working together we can make a difference.
Entry Form - There should be one entry form per student or student team. Student teams may be made up of no more than 5 students per team. Please ensure that the entry form is filled out completely and legibly. The completed form must be scanned and sent as a PDF document to Carey.Morishige@noaa.gov. All entries must be submitted via email no later than Wednesday, April 15, 2009.

Competition Process - A NOAA awards panel will collect all entries and select the top name.

Time Frame
April 15, 2009 - Deadline for receipt of completed entry form via email
April 30, 2009 - Winner will be notified

The winning name will be featured on the NOAA Marine Debris Program’s website and all future products featuring their fishy friend! Additionally, the winning student or team will be featured on the Program’s website and in their newsletter, reaching over 100,000 people each month!

Good luck & happy naming!

Download the contest flyer (pdf 148KB).

Download the entry form (pdf 86KB)





National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Ocean Service | Office of Response and Restoration