The Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Summit is a biennial two-day event convened by the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO), a regional partnership representing the five Mid-Atlantic states: Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York. The Summit brings together 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 will engage in presentations, panel discussions, and facilitated breakout sessions covering topics such as coastal storm debris, derelict fishing gear, abandoned vessels, microplastics, community impacts and initiatives, innovative technologies, and more.
Registration is now open. The event is free and open to the public.
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.
Call for Speakers
MARCO invites abstracts for oral presentations, panel discussions, student flash talks, breakout sessions, or posters for the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Summit. The Summit is an excellent opportunity to share your work with audiences including federal, state, and local officials, as well as private sector, non-governmental organizations, and coastal communities.
We invite abstracts that explore innovative, collaborative, and interdisciplinary approaches to marine debris, with a particular emphasis on solutions, economic impact, and effective communication. Click here for full details and submission instructions. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 7.
Travel & Logistics
A special conference rate for guests attending the summit will be available at:
1301 Coastal Hwy, Dewey Beach, DE 19971
(302) 864-9100
Below is the booking link for the guest rooms at the Hyatt Place Dewey Beach for MARCO on November 11-14, 2025.
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/ILGZD/G-MARC
Guests may also call reservations at 1-855-556-1297 and ask for the MARCO rate. The group code is G-MARC.
The group rate is $124/night for a king or queen/queen room type. The cut-off date to book rooms is October 14, 2025. After that date, the group rate is not guaranteed at the hotel.