The Debris Division Award was created promote youth education through fish, fishing, and aquatic conservation. Over the past several years, there has been an increased focus and global effort to understand how plastic debris is affecting different wildlife in both fresh and saltwater habitats. Ingestion and entanglement are the direct and deadly effects of pollution on marine mammals, birds, sea turtles, and many fish species. Theis speciality award is an effort to help raise awareness of these issues and encourage members of the recreational community to get involved.