Caitie Christina

Caitie Christina, Marine Debris Specialist at Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve (MA-NERR) at The University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI), is identifying hotspots and supporting marine debris removal in areas and habitats where sea turtles and birds are known to nest and feed. The goal is to reduce the number of sea turtles and birds being affected by marine debris in these areas while identifying the amount and material types of marine debris within the sites. Collected data will be reported through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project website. In addition to conducting marine debris surveys, Caitie Christina works with local partners of MA-NERR to conduct beach cleanups, promote recycling monofilament, and educate the public about marine debris.