Galveston Bay Foundation Installs Trash Traps in Houston Waterways to Prevent Marine Debris

HOUSTON, TX  — Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) is pleased to announce the installation of two trash traps in Houston-area waterways: Greens Bayou and Kuhlman Gully. This project was made possible by a 2024 award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program, along with support from the Gulf of America Alliance’s Gulf Star Program. This funding allows for addressing critical trash and marine debris issues in the Houston area.    

These trash traps, known as litter booms, are designed to capture trash and debris before it can travel downstream into Galveston Bay and eventually the Gulf. Installation locations were selected based on high volumes of urban trash and stormwater runoff entering local waterways.  By removing trash further up in the watershed, the impacts of pollution can be reduced in urban areas, as well as in the Bay. Protecting these water resources through increased trash removal efforts will help reduce animal entanglements, water quality issues, and flooding challenges.

Project partner Osprey Initiative designed the litter booms to effectively capture and contain litter while allowing water to continue flowing freely. The booms provide a passive catchment system that requires no electricity, minimal infrastructure, and no negative impact on the surrounding habitats. This technology has been successfully implemented in waterways across the country, and GBF is excited to expand the approach in Houston-area waterways.

“This project has been many years in the making. Having these booms installed is an exciting step to reduce the flow of trash into Galveston Bay waters and work with local partners and community members on debris issues closer to their homes. Trash remediation helps all who live, work, and play in the Bayou City and Galveston Bay,” says Water Protection Manager, Natasha Zarnstorff.

The litter booms will be regularly monitored and maintained to ensure proper operation. In addition, data on the types and volume of debris collected will help inform ongoing research by GBF and project partners to better understand trash movement throughout the Houston watershed and identify strategies to reduce waste entering local waterways. 

Through collaboration with community groups, partner organizations, volunteers, and local stakeholders, GBF hopes to maximize the effectiveness of the project while raising awareness about the importance of marine debris prevention and watershed stewardship.

GBF and partner organizations will host clean-up events near the litter boom sites as well as at other locations within the watershed to further amplify the impact of the booms. To volunteer or join an event, keep an eye on Galveston Bay Foundation’s website.  

About Galveston Bay Foundation: 

Galveston Bay Foundation is a conservation nonprofit that has served as guardian of Galveston Bay since 1987. Our mission is to preserve and enhance Galveston Bay as a healthy and productive place for generations to come. We work to facilitate a true cross-section of Bay interests through creative, inclusive, and forward-thinking solutions to the challenges confronting Galveston Bay. We envision a future Bay that is brimming with vitality, connected to people, and contributing to the community in every possible way. 

About the Gulf of America Alliance:  

The Gulf of America Alliance is the Regional Ocean Partnership for the Gulf of America. It focuses on enhancing the environmental and economic health of the region through increased collaboration. It includes a network of over 165 participating organizations that work to strengthen community resilience, increase regional data sharing, and improve management of coastal habitats and wildlife species. 

About Osprey Initiative, LLC: 

Osprey is an environmental consulting company based in Mobile, Alabama that specializes in customized solutions for litter and recycling issues. They provide a full suite of litter interception devices that have proven successful in waterways throughout 30 states and three other countries. They also provide tailored waste diversion and event sustainability oversight and operations guidance. Find out more at www.osprey.world. 

Media Contact:

Kimberly Meza, Communications and Marketing Manager, Galveston Bay Foundation   

Phone: 281-923-3278 

Email: kmeza@galvbay.org 

Website: www.galvbay.org