The Great Lakes Land-based Marine Debris Action Plan Accomplishments Report 2014-2019 Now Available

Posted Wed, 12/11/2019 - 12:58

The cover of the 2014-2019 Great Lakes Marine Debris Action Plan.The NOAA Marine Debris Program is pleased to share the Great Lakes Land-based Marine Debris Action Plan Accomplishments Report 2014-2019. The Report documents the many actions taken over the five years of the Action Plan to reduce the impacts of marine debris in the Great Lakes. Through collaborative efforts, the Great Lakes marine debris community made great strides to address marine debris, completing 34 actions and continuing work on 17 additional actions. In total, 180,062 people were educated on the topic during 711 events and approximately 306,665 pounds of debris were removed by volunteers.

Created as a voluntary, collaborative effort, the Action Plan engaged more than 30 organizations from all eight U.S. states (IL, IN, MI, MN, NY, OH, PA, WI) and Ontario, with sector-specific participation varying by location.

The Action Plan had four main goals, further defined by objectives, strategies, and specific actions:

  • Goal 1: Knowledge gaps are identified and filled through research and monitoring of land-based marine debris.
  • Goal 2: A science-based and strategic approach is used to guide land-based marine debris policy and management decisions in the Great Lakes.
  • Goal 3: Land-based marine debris is prevented and reduced through an educated and involved community.
  • Goal 4: The impacts of land-based marine debris are reduced through removal and tracking efforts.

The Action Plan aimed to ensure that the Great Lakes, its coasts, people, and wildlife are free from the impacts of marine debris. Great Lakes stakeholders are currently drafting a 2020-2025 Great Lakes Marine Debris Action Plan to continue to address marine debris in the Great Lakes.

The MDP greatly appreciates this collaborative effort. For more information, please contact the Great Lakes Regional Coordinator, Sarah Lowe (sarah.lowe@noaa.gov).