Problems associated with marine debris in Virginia’s waters and federal waters offshore of Virginia include resource damage, threats to wildlife and habitat, aesthetic impacts, economic impacts, threats to human health and safety, user conflicts, and boating safety. Although a number of nongovernmental organizations are involved in marine debris management, efforts often lack coordination and there is a need to prioritize actions. During Virginia’s Section 309 Assessment process, the need for a Virginia Marine Debris Plan was identified as a means of providing better coordination and prioritization. 

 

For this project the Marine Spatial Plan/Marine Debris Plan Coordinator (see Task 95.01) will work with Virginia Sea Grant to host a Marine Debris Summit as an important first step in developing an action plan. The summit will bring together marine debris experts, including state and local resource managers, community educators, and potential funders. The goals will be to raise awareness and to identify and prioritize particular marine debris issues that Virginians consider most critical to address. The summit will help to ensure stakeholder buy-in and input in the action plan. 

 

Virginia Sea Grant (VASG) will act as a neutral broker in hosting and organizing the summit. They will provide science-based information to decision makers and stakeholders and help provide staff support to a summit steering committee.  Contractual funds in this task will be used to support the Summit after key decisions are made regarding its format and content. A revised scope of work for this task will be submitted to NOAA once the Coordinator is hired and the Steering Committee is organized and has developed a detailed work plan for the summit.