The NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP) hosted a marine debris strategy development meeting in St. Petersburg, Florida from May 20-22, 2014.

Marine debris leaders within the state gathered to share information on existing projects and then begin developing a state-wide plan to address marine debris. Representatives from state agencies (Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission), various NGO’s (e.g. Sarasota Bay Watch, Ocean Conservancy, and the National Audubon Society), universities, and other NOAA offices as well participated in the meeting and plan development. This highly specialized group of marine debris experts shared 18 presentations covering the topics of derelict fishing gear, marine debris impacts on wildlife, abandoned and derelict vessels, consumer debris, and emergency responses to marine debris events. Facilitated discussions lead the group to develop preliminary goals and strategies to address marine debris in Florida.

In addition to the daytime meetings, on the evening of May 20, MDP’s Kim Albins was a member of the three-person “Let’s Talk Trash” panel discussing the science and policy behind marine debris. This Sci-Café event was hosted at the Salvador Dali Museum where nearly one hundred community members asked excellent questions of the panel and demonstrated a strong public interest in the complex marine debris issues affecting coastal Florida.

The MDP team plans to host a follow-up meeting later this fall to continue assisting with the creation of a marine debris action plan for the state of Florida.

For more information on the workshop, contact Asma.Mahdi@noaa.gov.

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