The 2025 Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Summit assembled leaders from state and federal agencies, tribes, non-profit organizations, academia, and other regional partners to strengthen coordination, share updates on current and emerging marine debris issues, and highlight effective prevention and reduction strategies. Participants engaged in discussions covering topics such as coastal storm debris, derelict fishing gear, abandoned vessels, microplastics, community impacts and initiatives, innovative technologies, and more.
The Summit began on Nov. 12 with two days of engaging presentations, facilitated breakout sessions, student poster and flash talks, networking opportunities, and social mixers. The final day on Nov. 14 included two field trip activities: a derelict crab pot removal demonstration aboard a vessel and a tour of the University of Delaware Hugh R. Sharp Marine Studies Campus in Lewes.
Objectives
- Strengthen coordination and partnerships among stakeholders addressing marine debris in the Mid-Atlantic region.
- Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration by connecting science, policy, management, and community efforts.
- Identify barriers and opportunities to improve the effectiveness of cross-sector marine debris initiatives.
- Provide a platform to share research, innovations, and best practices that inform prevention, removal, and long-term solutions.
- Highlight the human and economic impacts of marine debris through storytelling that reveals its costs and demonstrates the benefits of taking action.
Session Videos
Day 1: Nov. 12, 2025
Opening Remarks, Keynote, and ADV Session
Facilitator: William Isenberg, Coastal Planner, Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program
Keynote Speaker: Kaitlyn Dykes, Interpretive Programs Manager, Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area, Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation
Panel: Abandoned and Derelict Vessels: Data, Prevention, and Removal
Moderator: Alanna Keating, Director of Outreach, Boat U.S. Foundation
Presentations:
- “BoatUS Foundation ADV Removal Grant: Two Year Update,” Michael Moore, Program Administrator, Abandoned Derelict Vessel Program, BoatU.S. Foundation
- “Removing ADVs on Tribal Lands: Lessons Learned from the Nansemond Indian Nation,” Cameron Bruce, Assistant Director, Virginia Coastal Resilience Collaborative, William & Mary
- “ADV Removal at Scale,” Vincent Bowhers, Restoration Manager, Lynnhaven River NOW
- “Launching a Pilot Vessel Turn-in Program in Jamaica Bay, Queens,” Katie Stromme, Coordinator, Office of Marine Debris Disposal & Vessel Surrendering, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation
Microplastics: Bridging Science, Management, and Regional Action
Moderator: Jes Watts, Ocean Planning Program Manager, Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO)
Presenters:
- Dr. Beizhan Yan, Lamont Research Professor, Columbia University Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory // Network Head, Plastic Pollution Analysis & Sustainability Solutions (PPASS) network
- Paige Hobaugh, TetraTech
Marine Debris Policy for Long-Term Solutions
Moderator: Kristi Lieske, Ocean Planner, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
Presentations:
- “The United States of Plastics: A State-by-State Roadmap for Reducing Pollution,” Angela Noakes, Plastics Policy Analyst, Ocean Conservancy
- “Policy Perceptions and Extended Producer Responsibility,” Steve Raabe, Owner, OpinionWorks
- “VA MDRP,” Christina Trapani, Executive Driector, Clean Virginia Waterways, and Joseph Barnes, MARCO Microplastics Fellow
- “Balloon Release Policy,” Cynthia Seibold, Executive Director, Balloon Mission
Day 2: Nov. 13, 2025
Case Studies in the Benefits of Prevention and Removal
Moderator: Brittany Haywood, Coastal Ecology Specialist, Delaware Sea Grant / University of Delaware Marine Advisory Service
Presentations:
- “Nottaway Indian Tribe Clean River Day 15 Year History,” Beth Roach, Tribal Council Vice Chair, Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia and National Water Conservation Manager, Sierra Club
- “Citizens of a Changing Coast: A Socio-ecological Analysis of Marine Plastic Pollution in Scottish Island Communities,” Chloe McKenna, University of Edinburgh
- “The Nationwide TRAP Program: Insights from a Diverse Array of Marine Debris Removal Efforts,” Noah Tait, Marine Scientist, Center for Coastal Resources Management, Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Preventing Balloon Litter: A Case Study in Collaborative Partnerships
Moderator: JoAnn Gemenden, Executive Director, New Jersey Clean Communities Council
Presentations:
- “Balloons In Virginia,” Christina Trapani, Executive Director, Clean Virginia Waterways
- “Education, Messaging & Behavior Change,” Virginia Witmer, Outreach Coordinator, Virginia CZM
- “Collaboration as Engine for Progress,” Cynthia Seibold, Executive Director, Balloon Mission
From Data to Dialogue: Communicating Science and Solutions in the Marine Debris Space
Moderator: Aiyana Coard, MARCO Mid-Atlantic Ocean Planning Committee, Tribal Co-chair (Alternate)
Presentations:
- “Upstream Partnerships for Downstream Change,” Ian Carson, Marketing Manager, Storm Water Systems
- “The Pursuit of Mappiness: Engagement Through the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal,” Karl Vilacoba, Communications Director, Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute
- “Speaking of the Environment: Creating Communication Products that Inspire Action,” Dave Jasinski, Vice President, and Allison Burbach, Environmental Communication Manager, Green Fin Studio
- “Love Blue: Student Leadership & Community Action Making Waves,” Siena Zisa and Grace Schleiden, President and Vice President, Love Blue Monmouth
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