The 2023 Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Summit was hosted by the Marine Debris Work Group on Dec. 6 and 7 at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. The free event gathered over 100 stakeholders from across the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond, and featured a comprehensive agenda spanning diverse topics such as microplastics research, coastal storm debris response, community engagement initiatives, large-scale removal projects, capture technologies, and marine debris policy. Keynote speakers, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and a poster presentation session enriched the dialogue on marine debris management strategies.
Summit Goal:
The 2023 Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Summit brought together Mid-Atlantic regional entities working on marine debris (including litter that becomes marine debris) – including state and federal agencies, tribes, non-profit organizations, academia, and other groups – to identify opportunities to incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion into marine debris efforts, coordination between groups, discuss current and emerging marine debris fields, and highlight solutions to marine debris prevention and reduction.
Summit Objectives:
Foster meaningful coordination among stakeholders, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthen partnerships
Incorporate and emphasize diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility principles throughout the summit agenda and experience
Identify barriers to progress, and opportunities for improvement across Mid-Atlantic marine debris cross-sector initiatives
Provide a platform for sharing current research, emerging trends, innovative approaches, and highlighting best practices and successful solutions
View Detailed Agenda with Speaker Bios and Presentation Descriptions
Thank you to this year’s Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Summit Sponsors!
