JUNE 2, 2017--The House Oceans Caucus, co-chaired by Congressman Don Young of Alaska and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon, hosted a congressional briefing on Wednesday, May 24 that focused on the issue of marine debris.

Adam Domanski, Acting Deputy Director of the Marine Debris Program (MDP), participated on a four-person panel that also included representatives from the U.N. Environment Programme, the Congressional Research Service, and the U.S. Coast Guard. The panel was moderated by the Ocean Conservancy. Panelists provided background and the economics behind marine debris as well as details on current efforts towards removal, research, and prevention at both national and international levels.

The U.S. Congressional Oceans Caucus, which includes both the Senate and House, has identified marine debris as one of its top three priorities for the 115th Congress. As a result, bills have been introduced in both the Senate and House that would provide assistance for severe marine debris events, and increase international response to the issue. The briefing on Wednesday was the first of a pair of briefings that the House Oceans Caucus plans to host in their effort to raise awareness about marine debris on the congressional level. The next briefing, which will be geared towards solutions to marine debris, is tentatively planned for July.

For additional information, contact: Jennafer.Malek@noaa.gov.

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