Registration is now open for the BoatUS Foundation’s “Turning the Tide Online” virtual summit, scheduled for February 25-27, 2025, with a focus on seeking and sharing responsible and sustainable disposal practices of boating-related waste.
The three-day summit will give attendees an opportunity to come together to share their thoughts about existing and emerging technologies and best practices for responsible and sustainable disposal of boating-related waste streams. Topics include disposal of fiberglass, shrink-wrap, pyrotechnic flares and fishing gear.
Event participation is open to members of the boating industry, waste stream managers, academics, government officials, as well as individuals and organizations.
Shaun Tomson, a surfing icon, environmentalist, filmmaker, author and former board member/first ambassador of the Surfrider Foundation, which is dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans, waves and beaches, will serve as keynote speaker and kick off this event.
At the summit, Tomson will speak to his “Surfer’s Code” that incorporates 12 simple lessons for riding through life, applying those principles to the challenge of boating waste stream management. Tomson was named by Surfer Magazine as one of the 10 greatest surfers of all time and is a staunch advocate for ocean conservation. Additional conference speakers are expected to be announced later this month.
“Boating-related waste is an issue that affects all communities and this unique summit will spark meaningful conversations to protect our waters for years to come. We hope to uncover best practices in industries such as agriculture, construction, packaging, waste management and recycling, fishing, wind power or any industry that may have an impact on these waste streams,” said BoatUS Foundation Director of Outreach Alanna Keating. “We’re really looking to advance actionable solutions.”
Early bird pricing of $50 for general admission, $25 for nonprofit and government employees, and $5 for students, is available to attendees who sign up before December 31. Register at BoatUS.org/turningthetide
This first-of-its-kind summit is made possible by a four-year, $10 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program with funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The funding is also fueling a national competitive grant program for the removal of abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs), and the creation of a first-of-its-kind national database to pinpoint locations of ADVs and track their removal.
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