Marine professionals, environmental leaders, and organizations working on abandoned vessel removal and sustainable disposal solutions had until June 1 to apply as speakers for the 2026 Turning the Tide Summit hosted by the BoatUS Foundation.
Scheduled for December 6 through 9, 2026, in New Orleans, the summit will bring together government agencies, marine professionals, environmental experts, recyclers, and waste management leaders to discuss emerging technologies, best practices, and innovative programs surrounding the removal and disposal of abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs) and boating-related debris.
Organizers are specifically seeking presenters with experience in:
- abandoned and derelict vessel removal and vessel turn-in programs,
- sustainable disposal and recycling solutions for ADVs and boating-related debris,
- and programs aimed at preventing abandoned boats and marine debris from entering waterways.
Participation is not limited to speakers. Environmental experts, boating industry professionals, waste management leaders, and policymakers are also encouraged to attend. Programming will include keynote presentations, panel discussions, and resources focused on sustainable disposal strategies for boating-related waste streams, including fiberglass and shrink wrap.
The summit is part of the BoatUS Foundation’s broader Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Program, which works to remove abandoned vessels from coastal waters and the Great Lakes while developing a national database to track locations and monitor removal progress. The initiative is supported by the NOAA Marine Debris Program.
