The Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program has released an updated plan with strategic, definitive actions to reduce debris in Virginia’s coastal waterways and the Atlantic Ocean.

Harmful sources of plastic pollution are common along Virginia’s shorelines and become marine debris that ultimately flows into the ocean—including bottles, balloons, plastic bags, cigarette butts, and food containers, a release stated.

“This plan is a roadmap for working together on sustained approaches to reduce the flow of plastic and other litter into Virginia’s coastal waters,” said Laura McKay, Virginia CZM Program manager and co-author of the plan.

The 2021-2025 Virginia Marine Debris Reduction Plan, funded through grants from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, also focuses on fishing gear, microplastics and abandoned boats. “While not as commonly seen as plastic bags and bottles, other debris such as derelict fishing gear, abandoned fiberglass boats and microplastics also...