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Oregon Begins Marine Debris Action Planning

APRIL 22, 2016--On April 13 and 14, the NOAA Marine Debris Program coordinated the first workshop to create the Oregon Marine Debris Action Plan in Newport, Oregon. More than 50 marine debris experts representing agencies, NGOs, industry, and academia were assembled for what turned out to be a busy and productive workshop.

Participants reviewed marine debris priorities for Oregon and brainstormed new projects that could potentially be accomplished to meet selected priorities, as well as what will be needed to make these projects successful. Workshop participants also discussed outreach and education for marine debris, and even spent a little time in a hands-on activity on microplastics. Considering the high level of enthusiasm, dedication, and knowledge Oregon marine debris stakeholders have, the group set an ambitious goal to finish the Action Plan near the end of 2016.

The workshop benefited greatly from a skillful team of facilitators and note takers, who made the workshop and activities possible, and from a dedicated planning team, who laid the groundwork for the workshop.

The Oregon Marine Debris Action Plan, when completed, will be the first in the West Coast, but discussions to create similar plans in in the West Coast and Alaska have begun. Such plans already exist in Hawaii, the Great Lakes region , and Virginia, and are being developed in a number of other states and regions. Having a marine debris action plan is a potent tool to bring marine debris partners together, coordinate activities, set priorities, obtain funding, and overall, be more effective in preventing and reducing marine debris. The NOAA Marine Debris Program has supported such efforts in Oregon and nationwide.

For more information please contact Nir.Barnea@noaa.gov.

Go back to OR&R Weekly Report.

Group working on an exercise around a table.
Oregon action planning participants brainstorm potential marine debris projects in a breakout team. (NOAA)
Last updated Tuesday, November 8, 2022 1:52pm PST