Plastics and other litter, abandoned vessels, and derelict fishing gear have been a long-standing problem for the Great Lakes.

In order to address this problem, the Great Lakes community worked together to produce the Great Lakes Land-based Marine Debris Action Plan, which is the first of its kind for the region. The action plan provides scientists, governments, stakeholders, and decision makers a road map for strategic progress to see that the Great Lakes, its coasts, people, and wildlife are free from the impacts of marine debris. It centers on a mission to combat debris through an increased understanding of the problem, preventative actions, reductions in impacts, education and outreach, and collaborative efforts from diverse groups. The plan was announced last week by the NOAA Marine Debris Program, who was one of the primary coordinators of this effort.

For more information about the plan, contact the Great Lakes Marine Debris Regional Coordinator, Sarah.Opfer@noaa.gov

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