BoatUS Foundation Seeks Experts to Speak About Addressing Boating-Related Waste Streams

ANNAPOLIS, Md., Oct. 15, 2024 - The non-profit BoatUS Foundation will host the first-ever "Turning the Tide Online" summit Feb. 25-27, 2025 to discuss sustainable boating-related waste management solutions and is calling for speakersto present. The goal of the summit is to join boaters, recyclers, marine professionals and waste management experts to find solutions and revolutionize best practices for responsible, sustainable boating-related waste removal and disposal. Topics include disposal of fiberglass, shrinkwrap, pyrotechnic flares, fishing gear, and debris caught in "trash interceptors" - culvert gates and floating trash receptacles that trap both recyclable and degraded plastics and marine debris. Speakers are also encouraged to share insights into how boating-related debris disposal challenges impact waters in underserved communities.

Event participation is open to individuals, academics, organizations, and industry or business leaders who are encouraged to complete an online form for initial evaluation. Applications to serve as a speaker are due Nov. 22, 2024.

Applicants may include an individual presentation or note their interest in participating on a panel discussion. Applicants may also use this opportunity to share a poster/display that explores responsible and sustainable boating-related waste disposal.

"Our conference aims to highlight successful, sustainable solutions as well as new and innovative ideas both within and beyond the boating industry," said Alanna Keating, BoatUS Foundation's director of outreach. "We hope to uncover best practices in industries such as agriculture, construction, packaging, waste management and recycling, fishing, wind power or any industry that may have an impact on these waste streams. We're really looking to advance actionable solutions."

The online summit is part of a four-year, $10 million grant to the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program. Grant funding is provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Lawand will help clean up the nation's coasts and Great Lakes and improve navigation safety by removing abandoned/derelict vessels, while also seeking disposal solutions for all types of marine debris.

A mix of live and prerecorded sessions will be offered at the online summit from speakers and panels, each from 15 to 45 minutes, along with posters, infographics or other displays.

For more information and to apply go to BoatUS.org/advgrant.

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About the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water:

BoatUS Foundationis leading a nationally competitive grant program for the removal of abandoned and derelict vessels throughout coastal and marine areas of the United States, including the Great Lakes, U.S. territories, and Freely Associated States. This project is supported by the NOAA Marine Debris Program with funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In an effort to help educate and prevent future ADVs, the Foundation will also create a national ADV database to track the scope of the challenge and measure success, document ADV prevention and removal activities to share with the public, and support a national dialogue and education efforts on boating-related debris disposal. Learn more about the Marine Debris Program by visiting marinedebris.noaa.gov.