Why A Marine Debris Reduction Plan?

Marine debris is of local, regional, national, and global concern. It has become one of the most widespread pollution problems in the world’s oceans and waterways, impacting wildlife, human health and safety, habitats, and economies.

Marine debris is defined as 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, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). As much as 80% of marine debris comes from land-based sources – though abandoned or derelict fishing gear, vessels, and other water-based sources significantly contribute to the problem.

In order to strategically address this problem through Virginia policies and programs, the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program is undertaking a planning process to culminate in the development of the 2026-2030 Virginia Marine Debris Reduction Plan (VMDRP).

The VMDRP describes major goals and strategies to address marine debris on a statewide basis through prevention, interception, innovation, and removal for ecological, social, and economic benefits. It is designed to guide the work of a collaborative team of Virginia agencies, community groups, citizens, and other stakeholders for the next five years. The VMDRP identifies priorities and actions Virginia could feasibly coordinate and accomplish to measurably reduce marine debris in Mid-Atlantic waters.