AUGUST 26, 2016--On August 23, the NOAA Marine Debris Program (represented by Sarah Latshaw, Southeast Regional Coordinator and Jessica Conway, Planning and Preparedness Specialist) presented at and participated in the U.S. Coast Guard 2016 Maritime Transportation System (MTS) Recovery Exercise in Charleston, South Carolina.

The goal of the exercise was to build on strong partnership with federal, state, and local entities to ensure the expeditious resumption of trade and navigation after a transportation related incident.

Many of the attendees presented on their roles and responsibilities, as well as tools they use when responding to a transportation-related emergency scenario. Participants were then briefed on the exercise scenario and progressed through the response process. The scenario for this exercise involved a stranded cargo ship blocking a major federal channel, losing 20 cargo containers, potentially damaging a major bridge, and impeding cargo transport into and out of the Charleston Harbor. The exercise stimulated conversations on emergency notifications, incident/unified command participation, public affairs involvement, and more.

The NOAA Marine Debris Program’s participation stems from an ongoing initiative to work with local, state, tribal, and federal partners to improve preparedness for response and recovery operations following acute waterway debris incidents.

For more information about the exercise or the NOAA Marine Debris Program Regional Response Planning efforts, contact Sarah.Latshaw@noaa.gov or Jessica.Conway@noaa.gov.

Go back to OR&R Weekly Report.