Student: Mary Schneider
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Monica Wilson, coastal debris coordinator for Florida Sea Grant
Project Site: Pasco County & Cedar Key, Florida
“Cleaning storm drains is not glamorous work, but it is essential.”
That’s how Mary Schneider describes her experience working on Operation TRAP (Trash Reduction for Aquatic Preserves), a NOAA-funded project designed to intercept marine debris before it enters Florida’s sensitive coastal waters. Over the course of the semester, Mary worked in communities across the Nature Coast, getting her hands dirty as she helped clean out storm drains, debris interceptors called WATERGOATS, and monofilament recycling tubes.
While the work focused on debris interception, it also served as a gateway into understanding the broader systems of environmental and social resilience. Each cleanup site told a story, not just of litter, but of people, places, and priorities.
“There is something revealing about what gets left behind,” Mary wrote in her reflection.
“You begin to notice patterns, see traces of community life, and appreciate the complexity of the systems that keep public spaces functioning.”
What She Did:
- Cleaned storm drain traps and other litter interceptors weekly across Pasco County and Cedar Key
- Collected data on the types and volumes of marine debris
- Evaluated the effectiveness and challenges of different debris interception systems
- Participated in community outreach events and educational activities
- Reflected on the value of invisible labor and environmental responsibility
Why It Matters:
Florida’s Gulf Coast communities face growing threats from pollution, storms, and infrastructure strain. Operation TRAP tackles these issues at the source, helping protect nearly 1.5 million acres of submerged coastal habitat. Mary’s project not only helped reduce marine debris, it also made space for public dialogue, data-driven planning, and a renewed sense of stewardship.
A Lesson in Stewardship:
Mary’s biggest takeaway? That slow, methodical work can be one of the most powerful acts of service.
“There is dignity in doing something small that contributes to something much bigger.”
Operation TRAP is supported by NOAA’s Marine Debris Program with funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and in partnership with FDEP’s Aquatic Preserves, Florida Sea Grant, Pasco County, Keep Pasco Beautiful, and the City of Cedar Key.