The workshop was hosted by Virginia’s Coastal Zone Management Program and Clean Virginia Waterways of Longwood University. This meeting brought together twenty-two marine debris stakeholders across Virginia. Attendees came from a diverse set of sectors, including state agencies, nonprofits, the private sector, and academia.

The virtual workshop focused on discussions around the Virginia Marine Debris Reduction Plan that was published in collaboration with the NOAA Marine Debris Program in 2014. The workshop presenters highlighted past accomplishments, current Virginia legislation, and approaches to updating the plan. Christy shared information on the Marine Debris Program’s marine debris action planning process and lessons learned from other regions.

This webinar provided an opportunity to discuss the current marine debris issues facing Virginia and to foster collaboration and advance understanding of the issue in the Mid-Atlantic region. The Virginia marine debris community will continue these discussions throughout the upcoming year. Christy has been working closely with the Virginia Reduction Plan Team to ensure the state’s plan aligns with the Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Action Plan that will be published this spring. 

For more information, contact NOAA MDP Mid-Atlantic Regional Coordinator Christy.Kehoe@noaa.gov.

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