An image of an abandoned and derelict vessel

​​SPRINGFIELD, Va​​. - ​​July 7, 2026​​ –​ Registration is now open for BoatUS Foundation’s 2026 Turning the Tide Summit, scheduled for December 6-9, 2026, in New Orleans. The in-person event will focus on exploring existing and emerging technologies and best practices for responsible and sustainable disposal of abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs). This event will focus on topics pertaining to fiberglass and composite recycling as well as subjects related to shrinkwrap and other boating-related waste. 

The Turning the Tide Summit is open to everyone, including environmental experts, boating and waste industry leaders, policymakers and anyone interested in deepening the conversation on responsible and sustainable management of end-of-life vessels and other boating-related waste. 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.   

“No waterway community is exempt or safe from ADVs and boating-related waste,” said Alanna Keating, BoatUS Foundation’s Director of Outreach. “We all have the power to protect our waterways and this summit is one significant way people can learn from each other, network and share solutions for taking real action that can benefit their communities for years to come.” 

The cost to attend the four-day summit is $400 for general admission, $200 for nonprofit/government employees and $100 for students. Early bird general admission pricing of $350 is available through September 1. Registered attendees will have access to all sessions, a welcome reception, breakfast and lunch for the duration of the conference. To register for the summit, please click here to register. 

This summit is part of the BoatUS Foundation ADV Program, whose ultimate aim is removing and preventing ADVs from the nation’s coastal waters and the Great Lakes to aid in navigational safety and maintain healthy marine ecosystems.  

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. In an effort to help educate and prevent future ADVs, the Foundation also created 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. This project is supported by the NOAA Marine Debris Program.