Marine Debris Removal

The Greater Newburyport community is invited to attend the Storm Surge Speaker Series event “Marine Debris Removal” presented by Laura Ludwig, Director of the Marine Debris and Plastics Program at the Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown MA. This event is a follow-up to the successful screening of the Story of Plastics on April 20. Marine debris is a threat to the health of the ocean and the earth, and is an issue of local as well as national and international concern. Huge amounts of lost or discarded items are found in the ocean, making marine debris one of the most widespread pollution problems we face. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the most common and harmful types of marine debris include fishing gear, plastic bags, food wrappers and cigarette butts. Micro plastics, too small to be seen with the human eye, are another class of debris. Marine debris has been found on remote shorelines, Arctic ice and deep on the ocean floor. The theme of Laura Ludwig’s presentation is the environmental and human impacts of marine debris found on shorelines of Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, and under water in the Gulf of Maine. Laura will address the impact that marine debris has on wildlife, the role of plastics in climate change, and what we as individuals can do to help resolve this environmental issue. Laura has developed a program at the Center for Coastal Studies addressing the impacts, removal and repurposing of marine debris including fishing gear, consumer debris, and storm-created infrastructure debris. In recognition of this work, the Center recently received a grant from NOAA to expand the program to Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. In April, Laura led a group of 25 volunteers including local Newbury artist Megan Chiango, in a cleanup of lobster traps on Cuttyhunk island. Megan will also be on-hand to welcome Laura and discuss her experience. Storm Surge, a non-profit organization based in Newburyport, MA, presents programs by climate science experts, government officials, and community activists for residents, businesses and government agencies to consider actions to mitigate the effects of climate change.