The NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP) is pleased to share the Southeast Marine Debris Action Plan. This document is the result of a collaborative effort between the NOAA Marine Debris Program and partners in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, and represents a partner-led effort to guide actions in the Southeast on marine debris for the next three years.
Throughout the Southeast, numerous organizations work to address marine debris through education, prevention, removal, and research efforts. Since 2014, over 95 diverse marine debris representatives across three states, including local, state, and federal governments, nonprofits, industry, and academic institutions, have come together to develop the Southeast Marine Debris Action Plan.
The purpose of this Action Plan is to improve coordination and galvanize new action to address everyday marine debris and debris generated by disasters throughout Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
The Action Plan has four main goals, further defined by objectives, strategies, and specific actions:
-
Reduce Abandoned and Derelict Vessels
-
Reduce Consumer Debris
-
Reduce Derelict Fishing Gear
-
Reduce Wildlife and Habitat Impacts
The NOAA MDP solicited partners’ input on the Action Plan through three workshops and several rounds of review and comment. Participants will update the plan every three years and will provide biannual updates detailing Action Plan progress.
Check out the full Action Plan on our website.