Anyone who resides, works or plays in North Carolina’s 20 coastal counties interested in marine debris management is encouraged to take part in planned workshops to offer tools for eliminating or addressing abandoned and derelict vessels and encouraging better construction standards for docks and piers, often a source of storm-related pollution.
The Local Government ADV and Resilient Docks workshops are scheduled for Aug. 28 in Wilmington or Sept. 15 in Washington. Both sessions will run 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Supporter Spotlight
The North Carolina Coastal Federation and the N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve are leading the two workshops that will provide resources for implementing an inspection program for residential dock and piers, and for developing and implementing a program or ordinance for abandoned and derelict vessels.
Panel discussions will feature local and regional stakeholders sharing real-world experiences, implementation challenges, lessons learned, and opportunities for continued collaboration.
Among the resources are the Resilient Residential Docks and Piers webpage and the N.C. Marine Debris Action Plan: 2026-30. Resilient Docks and Piers is a toolkit that offers best practices for design and construction, permitting guidance, sustainable materials and legislative updates. The Marine Debris Action Plan is a multiagency, five-year effort to reduce marine debris in state waters.
Lunch will be provided, along with coffee and light refreshments in the morning. Full or partial mileage reimbursements may be available.
These workshops are made possible through the support of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.
Supporter Spotlight
The Coastal Federation publishes Coastal Review.
