MAY 22, 2015--On May 15, 2015, the Ocean Summit on Marine Debris at the Volvo Ocean Race stopover in Newport, Rhode Island, showcased an impressive list of speakers who brought attention to the issue of marine debris. The Ocean Summit was hosted by Professor Dennis Nixon, Rhode Island Sea Grant Director, and speakers included Bjӧrn Lyrvall, Ambassador of Sweden to the USA; Senator Sheldon Whitehouse; Dr. Sandra Whitehouse, senior policy advisor for Ocean Conservancy; Catherine Novelli, Undersecretary for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment, U.S. State Department; Dr. Lisa Svensson, Sweden’s Ambassador for Oceans, Seas and Freshwater; and Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo. A video of the sailors describing their encounters with marine debris was also released.

During this stopover, the organizers focused on marine debris prevention and awareness, educating spectators about the impacts of marine debris and the importance of stopping plastic pollution at the source. An educational Exploration Zone included several organizations discussing marine debris issues, including the NOAA Marine Debris Program on Saturday May 16 and Sunday May 17. The attendance during the 12-day event in Newport is estimated at 125,000, with about 33,000 in attendance during the last two days.

For more information, contact Keith.Cialino@noaa.gov, Northeast Regional Coordinator for the NOAA Marine Debris Program.

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