Virginia Marine Debris
Resources Hub
Virginia Marine Debris Resources Hub
Helping Virginians address marine debris in their homes, towns, and waterways
"Marine Debris" is any persistent, solid, human-made waste that enters marine or coastal environments.
Marine debris is a catch-all term for plastic pollution. In fact, the Virginia Marine Debris Reduction Plan specifically addressed four main types of marine debris found in Virginia- single-use plastics, improperly discarded fishing gear, microplastics, and abandoned watercraft!
We use "marine debris" to also refer to mismanaged waste in all water bodies, not just saltwater like the "marine" name suggests. Trash found in rivers, lakes, and the ocean are all marine debris!
Learn more at Marine Debris Overview
Marine Debris Overview
Background information on marine debris in Virginia and the Virginia Marine Debris Reduction Plan
Virginia Residents
How to get involved in marine debris work and reduce your plastic usage in Virginia
Waste Removal and Disposal
Municipal waste management programs and instructions in Virginia
Boaters and Fishers
Mitigate derelict fishing gear impacts in the boating, fishing, and aquaculture industries
Educators
Marine debris-themed lesson plans and activites for formal and informal education
Researchers
Labs and research reports in Virginia addressing marine debris scientific research