The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has appointed Scott Cassel, CEO and Founder of the Product Stewardship Institute, to its Marine Debris Foundation. Marine debris is one of the most pressing issues facing our waterways, lakes, and oceans. To help solve it, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act of 2020 established the nonprofit Marine Debris Foundation and directed NOAA to appoint the foundation’s governing Board of Directors.
“Marine debris has been a major impetus for engaging producers of plastic packaging, single-use plastic products, and other materials in cleaning up and further preventing pollution of our precious waterways and oceans,” said Cassel. “I’m honored to join this distinguished group of experts on the board of the Marine Debris Foundation to enhance U.S. and global cooperation to combat marine debris and its causes through policy, infrastructure development, and innovative technology.”
Massive amounts of marine debris enter our waterways every day — including plastic, metal, rubber, paper, textiles, and abandoned fishing gear and vessels. The Board appointees represent diverse points of view, expertise, education, and experiences relating to the assessment, prevention, reduction, and removal of marine debris.
The Board includes:
- Scott Cassel, CEO and Founder, Product Stewardship Institute
- Katie A. Conlon, Ph.D., National Geographic Explorer
- Julianne J. Curry, Public Affairs Manager, OBI Seafoods & Icicle Seafoods
- Ginny L. Eckert, Ph.D., Director, Alaska Sea Grant and Professor, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks
- John P. Foley, Founder and Executive Chairman of Peloton
- Jenna R. Jambeck, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor in Environmental Engineering, University of Georgia
- Sherry M. Lippiatt, Ph.D., Risk and Finance Communications Specialist, Scoot Science
- Nicholas J. Mallos, Senior Director, Trash Free Seas Program, Ocean Conservancy
- Erica L. Nuñez, Program Officer, The Ocean Foundation
- Richard W. Spinrad, Ph.D, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Neil V. Tangri, Ph.D., Science and Policy Director, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives
- Carrie A. Thompson, Senior Advisor, Climate Change Strategy Development for the U.S. Agency for International Development
- Miki K. Tomita, Ph.D., Founder and CEO, Education Incubator