Marine Debris Program Facilitates Discussion on Waterway Debris Challenges at 2021 Virtual Delaware Debris Summit
MAY 7, 2021 — On April 29, the Marine Debris Program (MDP) Planning and Preparedness Specialist Jessica Conway and Mid-Atlantic Regional Coordinator Christy Kehoe presented at a virtual Delaware Debris Summit.
The Summit was hosted by the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and brought together more than 50 local, state, and federal response practitioners who work in Delaware. The Summit covered a variety of topics during the half-day session, from debris lessons learned from DR-4566 (Tropical Storm Isaias) to marine debris planning and challenges.
Jessica presented an overview of how the Delaware Emergency Response Guide was developed. The Guide aims to improve preparedness for response and recovery operations following any acute marine debris incidents in Delaware by outlining existing response structures at the state, local, and federal levels to facilitate a coordinated and timely response. Jessica and Christy then led two breakout room discussions on the stakeholder-identified challenges and recommended actions during waterway debris response in Delaware. Participants discussed potential actions, confirmed outstanding questions, and volunteered as leads to ensure Delaware is better prepared.
Other presenters spoke on the Delaware Debris Management Plan, FEMA contracting policies, impacts from Tropical Storm Isaias, and lessons learned from Delaware state agencies.
For more information please contact NOAA MDP Planning and Preparedness Specialist Jessica.Conway@noaa.gov and Mid-Atlantic Regional Coordinator Christy.Kehoe@noaa.gov.