ACTION PLANS
Regional action plans are coordinated efforts for partners to strategically address marine debris. Due to the complexity of marine debris issues, there is a role for everyone in the implementation of a plan, including the private citizen who picks up litter from our beaches and watersheds as well as governments, industries, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions that support a wide range of activities like cleanups, research, education, and outreach. The Mid-Atlantic region has several action plans developed or underway. These documents, and other action plans from other regions around the country, are available for download below.
New Jersey Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide
The New Jersey Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide serves as a
complete reference for New Jersey marine debris response. The
accompanying Field Reference Guide only includes the most pertinent
information for quick reference in the field and during emergency
response operations. Access
the most up-to-date guide here.
2014-2021 Virginia Marine Debris Reduction Plan
In 2014, Virginia developed a plan to better coordinate marine debris
efforts. The plan charted a course for Virginia to reduce the amount
of trash and marine debris from land-based and water-based sources in
Virginia through prevention, interception, innovation, and removal for
ecological, social, and economic benefits. This plan was implemented
through 2021.
Virginia Marine Debris Reduction Plan
2021 - 2025 Virginia Marine Debris Reduction Plan
The 2021-2025 Virginia Marine Debris Reduction
Plan serves as a framework for strategic action and a roadmap for
reducing consumer debris, derelict fishing gear, microplastics, and
abandoned and derelict vessels in Virginia. Developed through a
collaborative and participatory process by Virginia’s Coastal Zone Management Program, the
plan identifies priorities to reduce the impacts of marine debris on
Virginia’s coasts, people, and wildlife. The Virginia Marine Debris
Reduction Plan aligns with the 2021 Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Action
Plan, which is coordinated by NOAA Marine Debris Program.
2021 - 2025 Virginia Marine Debris Reduction Plan.pdf
Delaware Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide
The Delaware Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide serves as a
complete reference document for Delaware incident waterway debris
response. The accompanying Field Reference Guide only includes the
most pertinent information for quick reference in the field and during
emergency response operations. Access
the most up-to-date guide here.
Long Island Sound Marine Debris Action Plan
The 2022 Long Island Sound Marine Debris Action
Plan is a comprehensive framework of strategic actions to mitigate
the impacts of marine debris on Long Island Sound, its coasts,
watersheds, people, and wildlife. A bi-state marine debris planning
team, led by the Connecticut and New York Sea
Grant programs under the guidance of the NOAA Marine Debris Program,
co-developed the plan over a 24-month period in collaboration with
numerous stakeholders. This Action Plan encompasses work that will be
undertaken over the next five years (2022-2027).
Maryland Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide
The Maryland Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide serves as a
complete reference document for Maryland incident waterway debris
response. The accompanying Field Reference Guide only includes the
most pertinent information for quick reference in the field and during
emergency response operations. Access
the most up-to-date guide here.
Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Action Plan
The 2021 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.
2021_Mid-Atlantic_Marine_Debris_Action_Plan.pdf
Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Action Plan - December Workshop Slides - Consumer Debris
Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Action Plan - December Workshop Slides - Derelict Fishing Gear
Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Action Plan - December Workshop Slides - Microplastic and Microfibers
Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Action Plan - December Workshop Slides- Vessels
Virginia Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide
The Comprehensive Guidance Document serves as a complete reference
document for Virginia incident waterway debris response. The
accompanying Field Reference Guide only includes the most pertinent
information for quick reference in the field and during emergency
response operations. Access
the most up-to-date guide here.