Marine Debris
Reduction and prevention of litter that accumulates in the ocean, such as balloons, other plastic items, and derelict fishing gear that pose a hazard to marine life and humans.
MARCO supports regional coordination on marine debris through the Marine Debris Work Group.
This group brings together regional stakeholders to collectively identify, understand, prevent, and mitigate the impacts of marine debris in the Mid-Atlantic.
Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Summit
2025: The 2025 Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Summit was held on Dewey Beach, Delaware, from Nov. 12-13. Click here for more information.
2023: The 2023 Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Summit was hosted on Dec. 6 and 7 in Ocean City, Maryland. The free event 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. Click here for videos and more info about the event.
2021: On July 20-22, the Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Summit brought together policy-makers, researchers, businesses and the public to explore current trends in marine debris, new science on marine debris impacts, and new technology, policies and initiatives to prevent and reduce marine debris. Visit the summit web page to watch recordings and view the agenda. Summit Agenda Summary Report
2019: Virginia CZM hosted a Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Summit which the Work Group helped to organize. Presentations from the 2019 Summit can be viewed here.
Interested in Joining Us?
For more information about the Marine Debris Work Group contact info@midatlanticocean.org