This document is the result of a productive and collaborative effort between the MDP and partners from local, state, and federal governments; nonprofits; industry; and academic institutions. 

Throughout Florida, numerous organizations work to address marine debris through education, prevention, removal, response, and research efforts. The Florida Marine Debris Reduction Plan (Reduction Plan) establishes a comprehensive framework for strategic action to help ensure that Florida and its coasts, people, and wildlife are free from the impacts of marine debris. 

Using feedback from the previous 2017 Florida Marine Debris Reduction Guidance Plan, the MDP solicited stakeholder input to the Reduction Plan through a workshop in May 2019. Following the workshop, the draft Reduction Plan was distributed to both attendees and the wider Florida marine debris community for additional feedback and to provide further opportunity for partners to volunteer to participate in action strategies. Forty-one partners committed to a total of 140 actions.

The Reduction Plan encompasses work that will be undertaken in the next five years (2020-2025), and participants will meet annually to report on the status of actions. Going forward, the MDP will support partners’ actions by assisting with tasks where possible, tracking progress, identifying gaps and potential solutions, and sharing relevant news and resources.

For additional information, please contact Ashley.Hill@noaa.gov.

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