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 many people think of marine debris as a coastal problem, Register said, estimates are that up to 80 percent of trash may come from inland sources.

Marine debris is important because it can harm the environment and wildlife, Register said. Plastic balloons are a major problem, she said, as wildlife may ingest the plastic or become entangled in its strings.

The advisory committee, if formed, should work to improve public education about marine debris and the hazards it poses, Register said. Instead of schools and other groups holding balloon launches, she said, they should look at other, safer measures to celebrate the environment.

The task force, organized by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program, looked at strategies organized by themes such as increasing collaboration among Virginia litter and marine debris prevention and removal projects, increasing the marine debris knowledge base, and utilizing regulations to reduce the sources of marine debris.

Much of the problem in coastal regions, Havens said, comes from derelict fishing gear. Another problem is the large number of crab pots that are cut loose by passing boats, he said.

Unfortunately, marine debris may affect the environment for many years to come, Register said.

The marine debris reduction plan said other common sources of debris include plastic bags, food and beverage packaging and cigarette butts.