The Great Lakes Marine Debris Action Plan

Marine debris is any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes. Marine debris is generally classified into two broad categories: ocean or lake-based and land-based. Ocean or lake-based debris may be dumped, swept, or blown off vessels, as well as stationary platforms. Land-based debris is generated on land and may be blown, swept, or washed out to sea. This includes debris from littering, dumping in waterways, storm water discharges, poor waste management, and industrial losses. While more commonly thought of as an oceanic problem, the Great Lakes region is an area that is also affected by debris. Throughout the Great Lakes, marine debris threatens wildlife, natural resources, and the environment. The NOAA Marine Debris Program is working with federal, state, local, and non-governmental organizations to develop a regional action plan to address land-based marine debris in the Great Lakes.  Through a series of workshops and meetings, regional stakeholders are finalizing a plan to keep the Great Lakes, its coasts, people, and wildlife free form the impacts of land-based marine debris.  Information presented will include the announcement of this action plan.