Presentations may address the topics currently anticipated to be included in the conference agenda, or may address a similar or related topic. The following topics are likely to be included in the final agenda:

    • Plastic resins in the global marketplace: types, quantities, uses, and emerging developments in eco-friendly products.
    • Marine debris: why focus on plastic?
    • Plastic debris: quantities and locations.
    • The prevalence of plastic debris versus other types of marine debris: comparative analysis.
    • Zero trash total maximum daily loads: evolution to date and future plans.
    • Water quality regulation addressing industrial discharges of plastic through runoff- implementation and enforcement.
    • Ocean-based sources of trash in the marine environment: cruise ships, commercial fishing, cargo ships.
    • Litter and other land-based sources of marine debris.
    • National and international efforts to reduce marine debris.
    • Impacts of plastic debris on marine wildlife.
    • Plastic debris as a transport mechanism for other pollutants.
    • The toxicology of plastic additives- with a focus on potential impacts in the marine environment.
    • Meeting or avoiding zero trash TMDLs through municipal best management practices.
    • Changing consumer and industry behavior that results in litter.
    • Improving coordination of marine debris reduction programs.
    • Land-based sources of marine debris- future research and monitoring needs.
    • Improving housekeeping practices within the plastics industry.
    • Solving marine litter by reducing solid waste generation.
    • Producer responsibility for plastics and packaging- models that have reduced volume of solid waste generated.
    • Successful litter reduction campaigns.

If an abstract is accepted for presentation, the author agrees to prepare a paper for publication in the conference proceedings, and to deliver an oral presentation at the conference. Selected presenters are required to submit papers for inclusion in conference proceedings by August 1, 2005, as the proceedings will be provided to participants at the conference on CD Rom.

Abstracts shall include the title of the paper and presentation, identify all authors, and provide complete contact information for the primary author and oral presenter. Abstracts should be submitted via email by the abstract deadline of May 31, 2005 to: mgordon@coastal.ca.gov. Subject Line: Abstract for 2005 Plastic Debris Conference.

Receipt of abstracts will be acknowledged via email within 5 business days of submittal. Acknowledgement will be sent to the corresponding author. Contact Miriam Gordon at mgordon@coastal.ca.gov or call (415) 904-5214 if you submit an abstract and fail to receive an acknowledgement.

Authors chosen to present papers will be offered a free conference registration and reduced hotel rates at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Travel expenses for presenters may be compensated by the conference subject to the availability of funds. With your abstract, please specify whether you will require travel expense reimbursement in order to participate in the conference.

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