Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Action Plan

This document is the result of a collaborative and voluntary effort across the marine debris community in the Mid-Atlantic. Actions will be carried out by interested partner organizations and participation in this plan does not constitute an endorsement of or commitment by all stakeholders or the NOAA Marine Debris Program.

The 2021-2026 Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Action Plan (Action Plan) was created by a voluntary, collaborative effort of 96 organizations in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The Action Plan encompasses work that will be undertaken in the next five years (2021-2026) and establishes a comprehensive framework for strategic action to help reduce the impacts of marine debris on the Mid-Atlantic and its coasts, people, and wildlife. The Mid-Atlantic marine debris community recognized the need for this Action Plan to be evaluated and revisited within the five-year timeframe through a Mid-Plan Review, as unforeseen challenges or gaps may arise in its implementation. A proceedings document was published from the Mid-Plan Review that took place in October 2023.