Love Blue Monmouth Represents at the Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Summit

This month, members of the Love Blue Monmouth executive team had the honor of attending, and presenting at, the Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Summit, a regional gathering organized by the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO). MARCO represents the coastal priorities of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York, and its Marine Debris Summit brings together a powerful network of leaders committed to protecting our waters.

Representatives from state and federal agencies, Tribal nations, non-profits, academic institutions, and other regional partners convened to strengthen collaboration, share emerging concerns, and highlight innovative solutions in the fight against marine debris. Topics ranged from coastal storm debris and derelict fishing gear to abandoned vessels, microplastics, community-based initiatives, and new technologies reshaping marine debris prevention and reduction.

Love Blue Monmouth Takes the Stage

For Love Blue Monmouth, participating in this Summit wasn’t just an opportunity to share updates on our impact—it was a moment to celebrate what youth-led environmental action can contribute to the larger regional conversation.

Executive board members Siena and Grace represented the chapter, offering a firsthand look at how community-driven cleanup efforts inspire collaboration between students, universities, municipalities, and local businesses.

Siena reflected on the experience, saying:

“Love Blue has definitely shown me the power of community, as I think the beauty of our work lies in the involvement of university organizations, local governments, and small-businesses. These connections have strengthened my dedication to taking care of our shores, all while meeting such incredible people along the way. Presenting at the MARCO Marine Debris Summit was an amazing opportunity to share our mission and celebrate what a small community can accomplish together— and I’m so grateful to be a part of that.”

Grace shared a similar sentiment about the personal and academic impact of her involvement:

“Love Blue has been both an outlet and an inspiration, showing me how small actions can create meaningful change in our local communities. It keeps me motivated in my academic journey, and has opened doors to incredible opportunities, like the MARCO Marine Debris Summit.”

Why These Moments Matter

Love Blue’s presence at events like the Marine Debris Summit reinforces something we see every day: young people are leading meaningful environmental change. By engaging with regional partners, our chapters are not only cleaning coastlines—they’re shaping the future of marine debris prevention through collaboration, innovation, and community-building.

We’re proud of Siena, Grace, and the entire Monmouth executive team for representing Love Blue with passion, professionalism, and heart. Their work embodies what Love Blue stands for: uniting people, protecting our oceans, and uplifting the next generation of environmental leaders.