Abandoned Derelict Vessel in Beaufort, North Carolina (Credit: Stacey Nedrow-Wigmore)
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SPRINGFIELD, Va, Jan. 7, 2026 – The BoatUS Foundation is now seeking speakers for its Turning the Tide Summit in New Orleans on Dec. 6-9, 2026. The summit will bring together government agencies, environmentalists, marine professionals, and recycle and waste management experts nationwide to explore best practices for responsible and sustainable removal and disposal of abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs) and boating-related debris along with sharing emerging technologies and innovative recycling programs.   

The BoatUS Foundation is seeking speakers who can share their experience and expertise regarding: 

• Projects pertaining to ADV removals and vessel turn-in programs. 

• Projects and efforts that focused on sustainable disposal and recycling solutions for ADVs and boating-related debris. 

• Initiatives and/or programs geared towards preventing ADVs and boating-related debris. 

Interested speakers are invited to apply here. The deadline for submissions is June 1, 2026.  

The 2026 Turning the Tide Summit is open to environmental experts, boating and waste industry leaders, policymakers, and others interested in the topic. Attendees will have access to resources, panel discussions and keynote addresses that focus on ADVs and sustainable disposal solutions for boating related waste, including fiberglass and shrinkwrap.    

This summit is part of the BoatUS Foundation ADV Program, whose ultimate aim is removing ADVs from the nation’s coastal waters and the Great Lakes. The program also includes the creation of a national database to pinpoint locations of ADVs and track their removal. These efforts are supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program. 

PRESS KIT:  

• To view our press kit and additional resources, please click here. 

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ABOUT THE BOATUS FOUNDATION: 

BoatUS Foundation is supporting projects that were selected through their nationally competitive grant program for the removal of abandoned and derelict vessels throughout coastal and marine areas of the United States, including the Great Lakes, U.S. territories, and Freely Associated States. This project is supported by the NOAA Marine Debris Program. In an effort to help educate and prevent future ADVs, the Foundation will also create a national ADV database to track the scope of the challenge and measure success, document ADV prevention and removal activities to share with the public, and support a national dialogue and education efforts on boating-related debris disposal.