I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2024 Sea Grant Marine Debris Symposium at the NOAA Research Offices in Silver Spring, Maryland. It was an inspiring event, and I’m genuinely grateful to have connected with experts, educators, and researchers—all united by their passion for protecting our waterways.
My Takeaways
Marine Debris: It’s staggering how much doesn’t belong in our waters! While much of the conference centered on microplastics (more on that in a moment), many speakers also highlighted abandoned fishing gear, nets, lines, and other debris that entangle turtles, whales, and sea lions, smother reefs, litter beaches, and release countless small plastic particles into the water as they degrade. Frankly, hearing this made me frustrated. These issues require legislative action and enforcement—they shouldn’t fall solely on the shoulders of volunteers and experts who tackle cleanup through arduous, often dangerous work. Major kudos to Kevin O'Brien from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project (PMDP) for his eye-opening photos and reports. They underscore the scale of the problem and the incredible commitment of his crew. Please take a moment to check out his organization and support their work.
Education, Engagement, and Conservation: It’s heartening to see these efforts thriving nationwide. Talks by Dr. Cait Goodwin in Oregon, Matt Malina in New York, Vanessa van Heeren from Louisiana Sea Grant, and Dr. Kristi Burkholder showcased groups blending grassroots efforts with STEM education. At GaiaXus, we’re eager to support these types of initiatives, and I’m thrilled about the connections I made and the inspiring conversations we shared.
Microplastics: Unfortunately, they’re everywhere, including in our clothes. I was surprised (though in hindsight, I shouldn’t have been) to learn that clothing is a major source of microplastic pollution—through manufacturing, washing, drying, and disposal. A shoutout to Dr. Beizhan Yan and his team for their innovative work to combat this issue by developing closed-loop filtration systems for washing machines.
All in all, it was a powerful three days, and I’m thankful to the NOAA Sea Grant team for including me, allowing me to listen to and learn from these experts.
I’m encouraged to see a federal organization taking these issues seriously, dedicating resources to them, and supporting grassroots projects that bring together educators, scientists, and engaged citizens. This collaboration is exactly how we can help the planet heal—and NOAA and the Sea Grant program are leading the way.
