NOVEMBER 20, 2015--The NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP) hosted a Gulf of Maine marine debris planning meeting on November 17 and 18, 2015, at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, New Hampshire.

48 attendees from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Canada met to share information on marine debris. There were representatives from state agencies, fishing industry organizations, nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, EPA, and several other NOAA offices.

This group of marine debris experts shared 19 presentations covering the topics of derelict fishing gear, marine debris impacts on wildlife and habitat, consumer debris, education and outreach, and innovative strategies and tools. Through facilitated discussions, the group identified preliminary goals and strategies to address marine debris issues in the Gulf of Maine Region. The attendees expressed interest in the formation of working groups as they continue to collaborate.

For more information, contact Keith.Cialino@noaa.gov.

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