The Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Summit is a biennial two-day event convened by the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO), a regional partnership representing the five Mid-Atlantic states: Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York. The Summit brings together leaders from state and federal agencies, tribes, non-profit organizations, academia, and other regional partners to strengthen coordination, share updates on current and emerging marine debris issues, and highlight effective prevention and reduction strategies.

Participants will engage in discussions covering topics such as coastal storm debris, derelict fishing gear, abandoned vessels, microplastics, community impacts and initiatives, innovative technologies, and more. The Summit will begin on Nov. 12 with two days of engaging presentations, facilitated breakout sessions, student poster and flash talks, networking opportunities and social mixers. The final day on Nov. 14 will include two field trip activities: a derelict crab pot removal demonstration aboard a vessel and a tour of the University of Delaware Hugh R. Sharp Marine Studies Campus in Lewes.

Registration is now open. The event is free and open to the public.

Objectives

• Strengthen coordination and partnerships among stakeholders addressing marine debris in the Mid-Atlantic region.
• Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration by connecting science, policy, management, and community efforts.
• Identify barriers and opportunities to improve the effectiveness of cross-sector marine debris initiatives.
• Provide a platform to share research, innovations, and best practices that inform prevention, removal, and long-term solutions.
• Highlight the human and economic impacts of marine debris through storytelling that reveals its costs and demonstrates the benefits of taking action.

Call for Posters

Although proposals for oral presentations and panel discussions are no longer being accepted, MARCO still welcomes abstracts for poster presenters at the Summit. We invite abstracts that explore innovative, collaborative, and interdisciplinary approaches to marine debris, with a particular emphasis on solutions, economic impact, and effective communication. Click here for further details and submission instructions.