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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.