The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) will use a wind-generated wave model (Delft3D-SWAN) to examine the role marshes and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) beds have in determining the fate of plastic debris as it is transported down the Choptank River. The expected outcome is the development of a budget of plastic debris input and retention in the Choptank River. Field data collections will inform both the model and plastic budget based on plastic volume across the river channel, SAV beds, river bank/ridge, and marsh platform. Specifically, researchers will characterize the size and abundance of debris in the water and sediments of the Choptank River basin, and will compare plastic deposition and degradation rates between open water and vegetated habitats. This study will examine an aspect of riverine transport (and fate) that has not yet been explored in great detail. Additionally, UMCES researchers will establish a Management Transfer Advisory Group that will be tasked with providing input on project design, model scenarios, and dissemination of research results.