Way back in October, Surfrider Washington joined researchers, policymakers, and fellow advocates in Port Angeles for the 2024 NOAA Marine Debris Action Plan Workshop. This gathering brought together passionate changemakers to address one of our planet’s most pressing environmental issues: marine debris. The purpose of this workshop was to review the 2021 Action Plan, share updates, and develop a new plan for the upcoming years.
A gathering of great minds to solve big problems
The workshop provided a platform to share innovative solutions, emerging research, and collaborative strategies for tackling marine debris. From large-scale derelict fishing gear removal projects to microplastic reduction efforts, the presentations were both informative, infuriating, and inspiring. It’s hard not to feel some anger and resentment at the scale of this problem while at the same time actively fighting the plastics and fossil fuel industries from making it worse. If they have their way, the amount of plastic produced will quadruple by 2030. But it’s inspiring to see so many people from so many walks of life all working tirelessly to deal with this global issue.
Agencies, groups, and Tribes presented about the work they’re doing. From the WA Coastsavers’s coordinated cleanups and remote cache removals and recycling pilot project to the collaborative efforts of Twin Harbors Waterkeeper, Pacific Seafood, and the Quinault Indian Nation in removing over 12,000 lbs of debris from the Pacific Coast; from the Makah Tribe, Dept. of Natural Resources, and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation’s efforts to remove large debris, including derelict fishing gear, abandoned vessels, over 800 creosote pilings and multiple tire reefs, as well as the 3000 lb, 220 ft long chunk of I-90 that’s been obstructing Neah Bay for decades; and from the results of COASST’s debris surveys aligning closely with surveys conducted by the Sanctuary, both of which found over 80-90% of debris is, big surprise, plastic.
Both the Sanctuary and COASST conducted surveys along Washington’s coasts that both reveal the prevalence of plastic pollution as the most common item found on our beaches.
Surfrider Washington was proud to contribute to the discussion, showcasing our ongoing work to combat marine debris through community-driven cleanup events as well as policies aimed at reducing single-use plastics at the source. I highlighted our Ocean Friendly Business programs - Ocean Friendly Restaurants, and the newly launched Ocean Friendly Hotels - as one of the many ways we work to educate and address these issues.
The most memorable moments were the breakout sessions during which we were able to brainstorm ideas about how to better integrate local efforts with national and global initiatives. The energy in the room was palpable—proof that a united front can create lasting change.
As the sun set on this year's workshop, it was clear that the fight against marine debris requires all hands on deck. Workshops like this one are a critical step toward cleaner oceans, and we’re excited to bring the ideas and connections we made into our 2025 Plastic Pollution Initiative efforts!
A room with a view and a helpful reminder of what we're fighting to protect and enjoy