Updated Oregon Marine Debris Action Plan Released

The NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP) is pleased to share the biennial update to the 2017-2023 Oregon Marine Debris Action Plan (Action Plan). This document is the result of a collaborative effort between the MDP and regional partners, including representatives from governments, tribes, non-profits, academia, and the private sector. It includes partners’ shared goals, strategies to achieve those goals, and corresponding actions to reduce marine debris in Oregon.

Marine debris is a growing global problem with wide-ranging impacts. Oregon is impacted by marine debris that litters its waters and shoreline, harming ecosystems, marine life, navigation, and the economy. In 2017, the Oregon marine debris community finalized the Action Plan to facilitate collaborative reduction of marine debris in the state. In the two years since, they have made impressive progress on many of the actions listed in the Action Plan. To keep the six-year plan current, partners convened for a workshop in March 2019. They discussed achievements and lessons learned; reviewed and, if needed, modified ongoing actions; and identified future actions. The 2019 Action Plan summarized the input and insight of workshop participants, as well as the contribution of other partners.

The NOAA Marine Debris Program is proud to be a partner of the ongoing effort to reduce marine debris in Oregon. For more information, please contact Nir Barnea (nir.barnea@noaa.gov), the MDP’s Pacific Northwest Regional Coordinator.