From June 18-20, 2014, the NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP) hosted a marine debris strategy development meeting alongside the Southeast Atlantic Marine Debris Initiative partners.

Participating were 35 representatives from Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, including state agencies, NGO’s, universities, and other NOAA offices to share their knowledge and develop preliminary goals and strategies to address marine debris in the Southeast region on James Island, South Carolina.

The workshop focused on strengthening regional effectiveness by sharing current and past successes and challenges in tackling everyday marine debris. Topics covered throughout the workshop included derelict fishing gear, marine debris impacts on wildlife, abandoned and derelict vessels, outreach and education, consumer debris, and emergency responses to marine debris events. The discussions also focused on potential mechanisms for ongoing regional communication and collaboration before, during, and after severe marine debris events. Facilitated discussions led the group to develop preliminary goals and strategies to address marine debris in the Southeast.

The MDP team plans to host a follow-up meeting later this year to continue assisting with the creation of a regional marine debris action plan.

For more information, contact Jason.Rolfe@noaa.gov.

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