Marine debris is prevalent in all areas of coastal Alaska, affecting diverse interests such as tourism, fishing, rural subsistence, human health, fish and wildlife populations and ecosystems, said Erika Ammann, a fisheries biologist with the NOAA Fisheries Restoration Center.

Marine debris programs have been formed and supported by diverse groups, but these efforts require coordination and would benefit from each other's experience, she said. The workshop is structured to include expert panelists and relevant statewide participants. There will also be a post-workshop meeting Feb. 16 with expert panelists, NOAA staff, and Alaska SeaGrant staff to draft and organize the proceedings volume.

The workshop's goal is to produce a proceedings source book on Alaska marine debris solutions and identification, promote statewide communication, support emergent programs, identify statewide priorities and standardize data collection.

The first day of the workshop will be held concurrently with the Alaska Forum on the Environment meeting at the Egan Civic and Convention Center. The introduction will include presentations on environmental effects in Alaska and statewide removal and disposal efforts, as well as education and outreach efforts.

On the second day, the workshop will transition into groups. They will produce brief discussion summaries on topics ranging from what to do with collected debris to the impacts of debris on habitat, fisheries, commerce, traditional use and ecosystems.

Limited travel funds are available for participants whose organizations cannot afford travel and accommodations costs.

Contact s.pristash@uaf.edu, Erika.Ammann@noaa.gov or Michael.Williams@noaa.gov.

Organizers are also looking for presenters on local cleanups and marine debris research.