National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program
Abstract
Marine debris is a growing problem that harms the environment and the economy. Its impacts range from impeding navigation to entangling wildlife and fouling beaches. Research helps explore this issue, bridges knowledge gaps, and supports prevention and reduction efforts.
In the recently-released Oregon Marine Debris Action Plan (OR MDAP), local stakeholders identified future research actions to help combat marine debris. One such action was to, “Develop research priorities for marine debris in Oregon with a focus on sources and reduction strategies. Encourage research to quantify and prevent the impacts of marine debris”. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program and Oregon Sea Grant volunteered to co-lead this action, with Oregon State University (OSU) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as partners. Together this group engaged local stakeholders, generated ideas, and held a workshop discussing and prioritizing research to help address marine debris in Oregon
