http://marinedebrisblog.wordpress.com/2014/06/19/teenmarinedebrissummit/

Waving Down Action: Teen Marine Debris Summit

June 19, 2014 by NOAA Marine Debris Program

By: Asma Mahdi

Solutions. That?s what the next wave of future ocean scientists will
come up with. For this generation, it?s not about just mitigating the
problems our oceans face, but rather preventing and solving them
altogether. At the Teen Marine Debris Summit in Connecticut last
weekend, high school students from around New England had to find ways
to educate Mystic Aquarium visitors about one of the most pervasive
problems that our oceans face today ? marine debris. Needless to say:
Game. On.

After immersing in ?trash talking? about the impacts of derelict fishing
gear on fragile habitats, such as coral reefs, and the pervasive use of
plastics in our everyday lives, the students engaged in hands-on
learning. They cleaned up a local shoreline and hunted for debris using
an underwater ROV. Afterward, the students put their experience and
knowledge to test. Four student-led teams brainstormed outreach
activities, focusing on impacts, sources, types, and solutions all
getting to one common goal ? prevention.