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State task force looks at minimizing marine debris

Several researchers at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, were part of a state effort to investigate problems associated with marine debris and how they might be corrected.

Kirk Havens, director of the Coastal Watershed Program at VIMS, said that he was one of 17 members of a task force that looked at the marine debris situation and possible ways to reduce it. He said the other VIMS campus representatives on the team were Donna Bilkovic, research associate professor; Susan Park, Virginia Sea Grant assistant director of research, and Anne Smith, Virginia Clean Marina Program.

The group recommended a state advisory committee be established to follow through on key points the task force made, Havens said.

Katie Register, executive director of Clean Virginia Waterways, headed the panel. Register said she is not certain if the advisory committee will be appointed by the governor or by the General Assembly, but that should be finalized later this winter.

While ma...

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