5th International Marine Debris Conference
STATUS: Early planning phase; No date or location has been set
Background | Concept | For More Information
Background
Marine debris is a historical problem that continues to grow. The world’s oceans and waterways are constantly polluted with a wide variety of marine debris ranging from soda cans and plastic bags to derelict fishing gear and abandoned vessels. Marine debris is an international concern not only because it washes up on beaches and shorelines worldwide, but also because debris can be transferred from one country to another via ocean currents and because it impacts commercial fisheries throughout the world. International cooperation is needed to create public awareness while developing ways to decrease the amount of debris in oceans around the globe.
Cooperation and coordination among many countries was fostered through four international marine debris conferences held between 1984 and 2000, as well as through smaller international meetings and workshops. Each conference developed a suite of recommendations on how to move forward. Many recommendations showed up repeatedly at multiple conferences and meetings over the course of the past 25 years. Sharing information on the implementation on these recommendations and reviewing their effectiveness is important from an international perspective. The Fifth International Marine Debris Conference will focus on implementation of these recommendations, consideration of emerging issues, and sharing of best management practices to help reduce this form of ocean pollution.
Concept
The concept is to hold the Fifth International Marine Debris Conference in late 2010 or early 2011, focusing on areas of progress or failure in implementing recommendations from earlier conferences and building upon the successes and new ideas. Additionally, this conference will allow the sharing of lessons learned on strategies to reduce and prevent the impacts of marine debris, including the promotion of international co-learning on issues and strategies, the development of specific bilateral or multi-country strategies, and sharing of best management practices.
For More Information
If you are interested in receiving updates on this conference please send an email to marinedebris.web@noaa.gov with "International MD Conference" in the subject line. Include your full name, title, organization/agency, and email address.
