Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
July 31, 1994
Environmental Protection Agency
Oceans and Coastal Protection Division
401 M St., S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
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CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY iii
THE ROLE OF THIS DOCUMENT 1
BACKGROUND 3
Environmental Effects , 3
Types of Aquatic Debris . 4
Known Sources 4
Regulatory Framework . 4
DESCRIPTION OF THE 1987 INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS . . 7
Recommendation 1: Federal Leadership 7
Recommendation 2: Public Awareness/Education Programs 8
Recommendation 3: Vigorously Implement All Laws 9
Recommendation 4: Research and Monitoring 9
Recommendation 5: Beach Clean-Up 10
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES : 11
Recommendation 1: Federal Leadership 11
Recommendation 2: Public Awareness/Education Programs 17
Recommendation 3: Vigorously Implement All Laws 22
Recommendation 4: Research and Monitoring 25
- Recommendation 5: Beach Clean-Up 29
APPENDICES
A LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS , A-l
LIST OF 1987 INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS A-4
B REGULATORY FRAMEWORK B-l
International Authorities B-l
Federal Authorities B-2
C ACTIVITIES DESCRIBED IN DETAIL . C-l
Recommendation 1: Federal Leadership C-l
Recommendation 2: Public Awareness/Education Programs C-12
Recommendation 3: Vigorously Implement All Laws C-22
Recommendation 4: Research and Monitoring C-28
Recommendation 5: Beach Clean-up C-37
D PUBLIC OUTREACH MATERIALS D-l
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TABLES
1 Contributors and Affiliations
2 Types and Sources of Aquatic Debris
3 Summary of Public Outreach Materials
2
6
D-5
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this document is to summarize past and ongoing activities of Federal agencies to
assess and control the release of man-made debris into the aquatic environment. This document is
intended to be used as a tool for coordinating and building multiagency programs concerned with
man-made debris in the aquatic environment. It may be used by EPA and other Federal, state, and
local agencies when developing action plans, and to help the agencies in developing guidance for
planning, setting priorities, and focusing resources on future debris programs. When planning new
programs, the document can enable planners.to avoid redundancy with other programs and, thereby,
to efficiently use resources.
Some of the activities described hi this document have been conducted jointly with private industry
and environmental groups, and others have been conducted solely by one or more Federal agencies.
Those efforts responded to recommendations made by the 1987 Interagency Task Force (ITF) for
controlling marine debris nationwide. The Task Force was convened at the request of the White
House, and was chaired by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) served as a Task Force member, along with other
Federal agencies involved hi marine debris control programs.
In the process of implementing the ITF recommendations, the need to share information and
coordinate activities between Federal agencies became apparent. To meet this need, EPA's Oceans
and Coastal Protection Division of the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds contacted debris
coordinators nationwide to request a summary of each agency's efforts to control and reduce the
presence of man-made debris in the aquatic environment.
Input for this document was provided by the debris coordinators of EPA, NOAA, the United States
Coast Guard, the United States Navy, the National Park Service, and the Marine Mammal
Commission. Input was also provided by the Gulf of Maine Program (GOM), which is an
international program (USA-Canada), and the Center for Marine Conservation (CMC) and the Society
of the Plastics Industries, Inc. (SPI).
BACKGROUND
The Problem of Aquatic Debris
Persistent aquatic debris encompasses a wide assortment of man-made materials that float or are
suspended in the water. Although plastic items are the most common by number, debris items are
also made of paper, wood, metal, rubber, glass and other materials (e.g., tar, grease, textiles).
The debris enters the aquatic environment from a number of land-based and ocean-based sources for a
variety of reasons. Land-based sources include inadequately treated municipal discharges, land-based
recreational activities (e.g., beach use), and improper solid-waste disposal. Ocean-based sources
include recreational and commercial boaters and fishermen, cruiseliners, offshore mineral exploration,
and operation of merchant and military vessels.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Executive Summary
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Once in the aquatic environment, the debris may
harm marine wildlife (e.g., seabirds and fur seals), either through entanglement or
ingestion;
pose risks to vessels, either as navigation hazards or through entanglement; and
wash-up on beaches and pose a threat to human health and safety, thereby causing
economic losses through loss of tourism and decreased recreational activity.
Legislation
A number of international agreements and Federal laws exist that address debris releases into the
aquatic environment, particularly from ocean-based sources. The most noteworthy of these
agreements and laws are Annex V of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution
from Ships 1973/1978, known as MARPOL Annex V; and the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and
Control Act of 1987, or simply, MPPRCA. MARPOL Annex V applies to ship-generated wastes; it
restricts the at-sea disposal of such garbage and also prohibits the at-sea disposal of plastic materials.
MPPRCA implements MARPOL Annex V in the United States and assigns specific implementation
and enforcement responsibilities to the Coast Guard, with NOAA, EPA, and other Federal agencies
being assigned monitoring and public education duties.
Under other statutes, regulations also have been developed that are directed specifically at controlling
debris releases from land-based sources. The National Combined Sewer Overflow Control Strategy,
issued hi 1989 by EPA, implements Clean Water Act (CWA) provisions regarding combined sewer'
overflow (CSO) discharges, which have been shown to be a major source of man-made debris in
waterways and coastal areas. The CSO Control Policy, issued in 1993 by EPA, augments the
strategy by detailing the expectations for municipalities with CSOs and requiring them to develop
long-term CSO control plans. The CSO strategy and policy are discussed in more detail later in this
summary.
In addition to Federal laws, a wealth of legislation has been introduced at the state and local, levels to
address solid-waste management and recycling. The state of Mississippi's Marine Litter Act of 1088
(as amended in 1991) is an example of such legislation.
CONTROLLING THE PROBLEM
The Interagency Task Force (ITF) Recommendations
In 1987, the White House Domestic Policy Council formed the ITF on persistent marine debris,
chaired by NOAA, and composed of several Federal agencies. The ITF identified five major
recommendations that were published in its 1988 report1. Briefly, these recommendations were
'Interagency Task Force. 1988. Report ,of the Interagency Task Force on Persistent Marine Debris.
Chair, Interagency Task Force, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, Washington, DC. 170pp.
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Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debrfa
Executive Summary
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1. Provide coordination through Federal leadership to implement effective aquatic debris
programs at the Federal, state, and local levels and hi partnership with the private sector.
2. Develop comprehensive public awareness/education programs that will improve
understanding of debris impacts and encourage development of effective solutions.
3. Implement and enforce all laws related to aquatic debris.
4. Conduct research and monitoring to identify and quantify impacts, determine sources,
and assess biodegradable products.
5. Support local beach cleanup programs and conduct systematic monitoring of beached
debris.
A summary of activities in response to these recommendations is provided below.
Summary of Activities to Control Debris
Land-Based-Sources'Control Programs
CSOs and storm-water discharges may release debris into waterways during periods of heavy rain, or
routinely due to improper system operation. These discharges may be a significant problem in some
coastal areas, and may be a major source of debris discharges in those areas. In 1989, EPA
developed the National Combined Sewer Overflow Control Strategy, which establishes a uniform,
nationally-consistent approach to developing and issuing National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) permits for CSOs, and implements CWA provisions regarding CSOs and controls of
CSO discharges. The strategy objectives are to prohibit dry-weather discharges, permit only wet-
weather CSO discharges that comply with the technology-based requirements of the CWA and
applicable state water-quality standards, and minimize impacts by those wet-weather flows. Although
implementing the strategy resulted hi considerable progress hi controlling CSO discharges, significant
water-quality impairments remained.
To address the continuing impairments, EPA issued the CSO Control Policy in 1993 which was
developed with input from communities containing CSOs, state and regional water quality officials,
and environmental groups. The policy establishes a national framework for controlling CSO
discharges by providing guidance to states and local governments. The policy details goals and
requires the municipalities to develop long-term CSO control plans.
Federal agencies have also initiated many public awareness and education campaigns aimed at
controlling debris releases by beach users and the general public in coastal areas. EPA developed and
led a major anti-litter campaign called Clean Streets/Clean Beaches, which will educate the public
about the link between street litter and the debris washing-up onto beaches. Other groups were
encouraged to develop similar programs; thus far, programs are being developed in the United States
Virgin Islands, several New Jersey counties, and in New York City. Similarly, CMC, with assistance
from NOAA and EPA, initiated a nationwide urban, nonpoint source pollution education program.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Executive Summary
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In 1988, EPA initiated the Harbor Studies Program, the goal of which was to characterize the types
of man-made debris floating in harbors along the coastal United States. During the 20 surveys
completed to date, plastic pellets were found to be ubiquitous in the coastal environment Because
these pellets are ingested by seabirds, and the seabirds may be harmed as a result of the ingestion the
presence of the pellets in the marine environment became a matter of concern to EPA. As a result,
EPA and SPI initiated a study of the sources of plastic resin pellets in coastal waters. The study
found that, despite earlier education campaigns, the plastics industry remained a major source of
pellets present in the aquatic environment. EPA's report, Plastic Pellets in the Aquatic Environment-
Sources and Recommendations, discusses over 50 recommendations for controlling pellets releases by
title industry. Based on the findings of this and other EPA studies, SPI initiated Operation Clean
Sweep, an industry education campaign aimed at eliminating pellet discharges. SPI is also distributing
the EPA report to the domestic and international plastics industries.
Ocean-Based-Sources Control Programs
The loss of fishing gear, such as nets, traps, and monofilament line, by commercial and recreational
fishermen, is a source of debris in the marine environment. The lost gear poses a significant threat to
the welfare of marine mammals and seabirds, and the threat may persist for several years after the
gear is released. In an effort to eliminate this problem, NOAA has sponsored research into methods
for permanently marking fishing gear in order to identify and track gear lost or discarded by
commercial fishermen. NOAA also conducted feasibility studies on recycling used trawl-fishing nets
and sponsored demonstration projects for controlling fishing-industry debris at coastal fishing ports '
and marinas.
Significant efforts have been undertaken to control or eliminate debris releases from Federal vessels
EPA and NOAA have issued guidance on proper medical- and operational-waste disposal aboard their
vessels. The Coast Guard and Navy have made great strides in reducing, storing, disposing and
recycling shipboard wastes throughout their respective fleets. The efforts have encompassed the
entire shipboard chain-of-command. Both agencies are revising their procurement practices to reduce
the amount of plastic packaging taken aboard ships, and are developing revised waste storage and
handling methods.
The recreational boating and fishing communities are also ocean-based sources of marine debris
Extensive public education campaigns on MPPRCA and MARPOL Annex V restrictions have been
initiated by various agencies that are aimed specifically at those communities. On the other hand
studies have been performed on waste-reception facilities and recommendations for improving the use
of such facilities have been suggested. Pilot projects designed to evaluate techniques for improving
the cooperation of the user groups have been undertaken in ports along the coasts.
Another ocean-based source of debris is offshore platforms. In 1987, the Minerals Management
Service (MMS) initiated a program to prohibit disposal of trash into waters surrounding offshore oil
and gas platforms. Drum marking requirements and an inspection program were components of the
MMS program. The industry embraced the program, and has made significant strides in eliminating
these releases. 6
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Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Executive Summary
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Other Programs .
NOAA's Marine Debris Information Offices, which are operated by the Center for Marine
Conservation and funded in part by EPA, have become essential points for disseminating information
to interested parties. Various Federal agencies have coordinated multiagency meetings (roundtables)
to review the status and results of recent debris-related research, education, and mitigation efforts.
EPA recently initiated a pilot study to assess the extent and trends of debris on U.S. beaches and
determine whether control measures are effective. The study includes developing a statistically-valid
method for monitoring the types, quantities, and origins of beached debris. The study found that
trained volunteers can collect reliable, statistically-valid data. A draft methodology has been
developed jointly by several Federal agencies and was presented at the Third International Conference
on Marine Debris in May 1994 in Miami, PL.
The extent of annual beach cleanups, organized by CMC and sponsored by NOAA, EPA and various
organizations, has increased since these efforts began hi 1987, when 2,000 volunteers cleaned Texas
beaches. In 1992, the national and international efforts combined involved more than 160,000
volunteers from the United States and 33 foreign countries. These volunteers collected over 3.6
million pounds of trash along 5,134 miles of coastline.
Enforcement of Regulations
The Coast Guard is working with the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International
Maritime Organization to improve responsiveness of foreign countries to reports of MARPOL Annex
V violations in U.S. waters. Domestically, recent enforcement actions by the USCG against one
cruiseliner and one fish-processing vessel resulted hi criminal penalties totaling $650,000, and, in
1992, 47 separate civil penalties for MPPRCA violations totaled approximately $300,000, or an
average of approximately $6400 per violation.
THE NEXT STEPS
This document will be useful to public agencies in coordinating their marine debris activities and
when responding to public or Congressional requests for information about aquatic debris programs.
In the future, it may be used also to develop a coordinated strategy for controlling marine debris, as
well as for developing national and local action plans. It is EPA's hope that the document will be
informally updated by users, for example, by adding, handwritten notes hi appendices, or formally
updated as needed by EPA or other agencies.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
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THE ROLE OF THIS DOCUMENT
There is a need for a comprehensive, coordinated approach to addressing debris-related problems.
This need was identified by an Interagency Task Force (ITF) on Marine Debris in 1987, who made
recommendations for addressing the problem. In the process of implementing the ITF
recommendations, the need for information transfer and coordination of activities between Federal
agencies became apparent. EPA's Oceans and Coastal Protection Division of the Office of Wetlands,
Oceans and Watersheds contacted aquatic debris coordinators nationwide (Table 1) to request a
summary of eachagency's efforts to control and reduce the presence of man-made debris in the
aquatic environment. This status document summarizes the efforts to implement the ITF
recommendations from 1988 to 1993, identified by the coordinators. More detailed information
regarding the status of programs for Recommendations 1 through 5 are presented in Appendix C. A
table listing available public outreach materials and contacts for acquiring the materials is included in
Appendix D.
This document is intended to be used as a tool for coordinating and building multiagency programs
concerned with man-made debris in the aquatic environment. It may be used by EPA and other
Federal, state, and local agencies when developing action plans, to enable the agencies to develop
guidance for planning, setting priorities, and focusing resources on future debris programs. When
planning new programs, the document can enable planners to avoid redundancy with other programs
and to efficiently use resources. Also, the document can continue to be used to report the status of
programs and to monitor progress. It can be informally updated by users, such as by adding
handwritten notes in appendices, or formally updated as needed by EPA or other agencies. The
document will also be useful to public agencies when responding to public or Congressional requests
for information about aquatic debris programs.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
The Role of this Document
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Table 1. Contributors and Affiliations
Contributor
Affiliation
James Coe
David Cottingham
LCDR Mike Farley
Larry Koss
William Gregg
David Laist
Craig Freshley
Ronald Caffey
Robert Blumberg
Trudy Harlow
David Redford
Edna Villanueva
Ann Rodney
Matthew Masters
William Muir/Mark Barath
Christopher McArthur
Kenneth Fenner
Laura Radde
Thomas Lorenz
Robert Erickson
Suzanne Marr
Michael Rylko
Kathryn O'Hara
Jack LaCovey
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine
Entanglement Research Program
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
United States Coast Guard
United States Navy
National Park Service
Marine Mammal Commission
Gulf of Maine Program"
Department of Agriculture
State Department
Department of the Interior
Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters
Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters
Environmental Protection Agency Region I
Environmental Protection Agency Region II
Environmental Protection Agency Region HI
Environmental Protection Agency Region IV
Environmental Protection Agency Region V
Environmental Protection Agency Region VI
and Gulf of Mexico Program15
Environmental Protection Agency Region VII
Environmental Protection Agency Region VIII
Environmental Protection Agency Region IX
Environmental Protection Agency Region X
Center for Marine Conservation
The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc.
The Gulf of Maine Program is an international program (USA-Canada) with a government council structure formed
by representatives from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachussets and Canada to maintain and enhance the Gulf of
Maine. Federal Agencies participate in working groups.
*GOMP was initiated by EPA Regions IV and VI in order to foster interagency cooperation to protect the Gulf of
Mexico environment.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
The Role of this Document
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BACKGROUND
The presence in the marine environment of floating debris from anthropogenic sources has received
C9nsiderable public attention and concern. Floatable debris not only degrades the aesthetic quality of
the marine environment, it also endangers marine life and poses serious risks to public health and
safety. Sources contributing to the marine debris problem are located either on land or at sea.
The fate of man-made debris once it has been released into the aquatic environment varies according
to its form and material composition. Individual items may quickly sink to the bottom, float at or
near the water surface, or become suspended at a mid-depth. Those items that quickly sink typically
remain in the environment at or near the release point. Items that float either at the surface or at a
mid-depth, however, may be transported by currents, winds, and other physical process to points far
removed from the source. The presence of man-made debris has been reported in oceans and coastal
areas world wide, including areas remote from any identifiable source.
The purpose of this document is to summarize past and ongoing activities of Federal agencies to
assess and control the release of man-made debris into the aquatic environment. The contents of the
document are intended as background information for use in planning and developing a better
coordinated Federal program.
Environmental Effects
Although additional research is needed to completely describe the extent of impacts of debris in the
aquatic environment, several impacts have been identified. The biological impacts of entanglement to
marine mammals, sea turtles, birds, fish, and crustaceans have often been obvious, as have the
impacts of some debris ingested by these animals. However, the impacts of ingestion are often quite
subtle, such as the impacts of resin-pellet ingestion to sea birds. Basically, entanglement in or
ingestion of debris may result in drowning, inability to flee from or defend against predators,
starvation, suffocation, and permanent or life-threatening injury. It is estimated that many thousands
of seabirds and marine mammals die each year by ingesting or becoming entangled in debris, and
especially plastic debris. At one time, an estimated 50,000 northern fur seals died annually due to
entanglement, primarily in fragments of fishing nets. More recent data show that this number has
declined to 30,000 deaths annually, but this reduction may be attributable to declining fur-seal
populations (J. Coe, NOAA personal communication, 1993). Significantly, some of the animals most
effected by aquatic debris are endangered, threatened, or protected species. For example, NMFS has
conducted necropsies of sea turtles that indicate one-third to one-half of endangered and threatened
sea turtle species are ingesting plastic products or by-products.
The presence of debris may also impact local economies in several ways. First, damage caused by
entanglement or collision with lost gear can be costly to commercial fishermen in terms of actual
repair costs as well as the loss of valuable tune during repair. Second, the presence of debris on
beaches may result hi significant economic losses in areas dependent upon tourism. In 1987 and
1988, for example, beach closures due to washups of medical and other floatable debris on coastal
New Jersey and New York beaches resulted in losses estimated to be as high as $1 billion over the
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Background
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two-year period1. Third, the aesthetic quality of coastal environments is degraded by the presence
man-made debris washed up onto shorelines or carelessly discarded, regardless of whether or not an
area is dependent upon tourist dollars.
Types of Aquatic Debris
The types of different items that may be found hi the aquatic environment has been difficult to
determine. Although plastic items are probably the most common by number, debris items made of
paper, wood, metal, rubber, glass, and other materials (e.g., textiles, tar, grease, soap) have been
identified. Each year, based on the results of the annual nationwide beach cleanup, the Center for
Marine Conservation (CMC) compiles a list of the 12 most commonly found items, which they have
labeled "The Dirty Dozen." In 1992, these items were, in descending order, cigarette butts, plastic
pieces, foamed plastic pieces, plastic food bags/wrappers, paper pieces, glass pieces, plastic caps/lids,
metal beverage cans, glass beverage bottles, plastic straws, foamed plastic cups, and plastic beverage
bottles2.
Several items are considered to be of special interest, either due to the very large amounts present in
the aquatic environment or to unique problems caused by the presence or ingestion of the debris
items. EPA has identified eight items of particular concern in the aquatic environment because of the
risks they pose to wildlife, human health, or the aesthetic quality of the environment (and related
economic damage). These items are plastic (resin) pellets, condoms, tampons (including tampon
applicators), syringes/medical, nets/traps, line/rope, beverage yokes (e.g., six-pack rings), and
bags/sheeting. Over 30 items identified and counted during the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency's (EPA) Harbor Studies Program surveys3-4 and Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Studies
Program5 are included in these eight classifications.
1R.L. Associates. 1988. The economic impact of visitors to the New Jersey shore the summer of 1988.
Final Report prepared for the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism. R.L. Associates, Inc.
Princeton, NJ. 16pp.
^odge, K.L..J. Glen, and D.Lewis. 1992. 1992 National Coastal Cleanup Report. Center for Marine
Conservation, Washington, DC. 336pp.
3EPA. 1990. The Study of Floatable Debris in U.S. Waters (Harbor Studies Program), November 1988
through February 1989. EPA 503/4-90-003. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC.
193pp. + appendices.
4EPA. 1992. The Study of Floatable Debris in U.S. Waters (Harbor Studies Program), March 1989
through April 1991. EPA 842-R-92-001. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC.
242 pp. + appendices.
SEPA. 1992. Pilot Study to Characterize Floatable Debris Discharged from Combined Sewer Overflows
and Storm Drams. Final Report submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency under Work
Assignment 20, Contract No. 68-C8-0105. Battelle Ocean Sciences, Duxbury, MA.
4 Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Background
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EPA has also identified several additional items of interest because they are consistently found during
debris investigations and are also among the most common items found during beach cleanups. These
other significant items are glass bottles, plastic caps, metal cans, food service products, cigarette
butts, grease balls, various plastic containers, and miscellaneous plastic pieces.
Known Sources
Several sources of man-made debris in freshwater, estuarine, and aquatic environments have been
identified; for this reason, the term aquatic debris has been adopted to refer to man-made debris
floating in waterways. Land-based sources of aquatic debris include beachgoers, storm-water and
combined sewer overflow outfalls, solid waste disposal and landfills, and the plastic pellets from the
plastics manufacturing industry. Ocean-based sources include recreational boaters and fishermen;
commercial fishermen; cruiseliners; merchant, military, research, and public vessels; and offshore
mineral exploration. Examples of debris released by land-based and water-based sources are
presented in Table 2.
Regulatory Framework
Many international agreements and Federal laws exist that address debris releases into the aquatic
environment, particularly from water-based sources (Appendix A). The most noteworthy of these
agreements and laws are Annex V to the Protocol of 1978 Relating to the International Convention
for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973/1978, known as MARPOL Annex V, and the Marine
Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987, or, simply, MPPRCA. MARPOL Annex V
applies to ship-generated wastes; it restricts the at-sea disposal of such garbage and also prohibits the
at-sea disposal of plastic materials. MPPRCA implements MARPOL Annex V in the United States
and assigns specific implementation and enforcement responsibilities to the Coast Guard, with NOAA,
EPA, and other Federal agencies being assigned monitoring and public education duties.
Under other statutes, regulations also have been developed that are directed specifically at controlling
debris releases from land-based sources. The National Combined Sewer Overflow Control Strategy,
issued in 1989 by EPA, implements CWA provisions regarding combined sewer overflows (CSO)
discharges, which have been shown to be a major source of man-made debris in waterways and
coastal areas. The CSO Control Policy, issued in 1993, augments the strategy by detailing the
expectations for municipalities with CSOs and requiring them to develop long-term CSO control
plans. The CSO strategy and policy are discussed in more detail later in this summary.
In addition to Federal laws, a wealth of legislation has been introduced at the state and local levels to
address solid-waste management and recycling. The state of Mississippi's Marine Litter Act of 1988
(as amended in 1991) is a noteworthy example of such legislation. Other Gulf states are reviewing
the Mississippi law for possible modification and adoption.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Background
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Table 2. Types and Sources of Aquatic Debris.
Source
Examples of Debris Released
Storm-water discharges
Combined sewer overflows
Beachgoers
Recreational boaters
and fishermen
Commercial fishermen
Cruiseliners
Merchant and military vessels
Solid waste disposal
and landfills
Street litter, medical-related items (e.g., syringes), resin
pellets
Street litter, sewage- (e.g., condoms, tampons, applicators)
and medical-related (e.g., syringes) items, resin pellets
Food-related items (e.g., beverage yokes, bags), trash
Trash3, fishing line and nets, traps, floats and lures,
buoys, rope, bait boxes, strapping bands, light sticks, salt
bags, beverage yokes
Trash, fishing line and nets, traps, floats and lures, buoys,
rope, bait boxes, strapping bands, light sticks, salt bags
Galley wastes, trash
Galley wastes (garbage3), plastic bags and sheeting, trash
Assorted household trash and garbage
Offshore mineral exploration Operational wastes (e.g., plastic sheeting, wooden pallets,
hard hats, 55-gal. drums), trash and garbage
Plastics industry
Dlegal waste-disposal
Resin pellets (raw material from which plastic products are
molded)
Medical waste, trash from solid waste handlers
'according to Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary (1988), the terms trash and garbage are defined as
follows: Trash is something worth little or nothing (as junk, rubbish), or something in a crumbled or broken
condition or mass. Garbage is food wastes, unwanted or worthless material, or trash.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Background
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DESCRIPTION OF THE INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS
By early 1987, public concerns over the presence of floating debris were heightened after the
discovery of medical items on beaches of Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. In response to these
growing concerns, on April 2, 1987, 30 U.S. Senators submitted a letter to President Reagan to
express their concerns and request assistance in developing a coordinated strategy to address the
problems caused by the presence of plastic debris in the marine environment. Later that year, the
White House Domestic Policy Council convened the Interagency Task Force on Persistent Marine
Debris (ITF) to address three objectives: (1) assess the magnitude of the aquatic debris problem, (2)
determine the need for further research, and (3) identify and consider alternatives for reducing the
presence of man-made debris in the aquatic environment.
To fulfill these objectives, the task force reviewed the available literature and developed a series of
recommendations that were designed to provide a framework for establishing priorities within Federal
agencies and provide guidance for committing resources and implementing debris programs.-' The five
recommendations and 23 subrecommendations were published in the 1988 Report of the Interagency
Task Force on Persistent Marine Debris (ITF, 1988), and are tabulated in Appendix A. Brief
descriptions of the five recommendations are presented below.
Recommendation 1: Federal Leadership
Federal agencies should provide leadership and continue formal and informal
coordination of aquatic debris-related activities with international organizations, state
and local governments, private industry, and environmental groups. Federal agencies
should acknowledge that an effective aquatic debris program is possible only with
strong state and local involvement.
The ITF recommended the following eight areas in which Federal leadership could be demonstrated
by example through proper waste handling, discussing the problems and mitigation measures, and
committing resources to existing programs:
a. Cease disposal of plastic materials into the ocean from all Federal vessels
(military and nonmilitary).
b. Review and adjust procurement and concession policies at coastal facilities to
reduce the amount of plastic materials used by or dispensed from those facilities.
c. Continue to participate in international efforts to study and control persistent
debris.
d. Provide recycling receptacles at coastal facilities, purchase recycled products, and
provide technical support for state and local recycling projects.
e. Coordinate dissemination of debris-related information through semiannual
meetings of appropriate Federal agencies.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Description of ITF Recommendations
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f. Continue to sponsor the informal Marine Debris Roundtable during which Federal
agencies, environmental groups, trade organizations, and international
organizations meet to discuss debris-related issues.
g. Support NOAA's Marine Entanglement Research Program (MERP), which is the
sole line item in Federal appropriations specifically designed to address the
persistent-debris issue.
h. Include persistent debris in the Five-Year Federal Plan for Ocean Pollution
Research, Development, and Monitoring, thereby assuring the existence of a
formal mechanism for considering debris as a form of marine pollution.
The ITF concluded that the most effective form of Federal leadership is to lead by example.
Recommendation 2: Public Awareness/Education Programs
Concerned Federal agencies should work together, and with state and local
governments, private industry, and environmental groups, to develop comprehensive
educational materials on problems caused by aquatic debris and solutions to those
problems.
ITF members agreed that the single most important undertaking for Federal agencies would be a
public education campaign; realistically, the public could not be expected to modify inappropriate
waste- disposal behavior if it did not understand the environmental problems caused by the presence
of improperly-disposed debris in the aquatic environment. The ITF recommended four major areas hi
which Federal agencies should sponsor comprehensive public education campaigns:
a. Provide financial assistance (i.e., seed money) and seek private funds to support a
major public awareness campaign.
b. Provide debris-related educational materials to employees and candidates for
licenses, such as competency licenses and certificates, fishing licenses and boating
registrations.
c. Support an interagency information exchange, and use all appropriate media to
disseminate information on debris problems and proper waste-disposal methods.
d. Initiate a major campaign to educate the owners and operators of vessels and
ports on MPPRCA requirements.
The ITF concluded that effective public awareness campaigns will greatly reduce costs related to
implementing MPPRCA and MARPOL Annex V, as well as costs for removing debris from beaches
and repairing vessel damage caused by entanglement or collision with floating debris. The costs of
the campaigns will be minimized through coordination between Federal, state, and local efforts.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Description of ITF Recommendations
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Recommendation 3: Vigorously Implement All Laws Related to
Aquatic Debris
The DOT (Department of Transportation), EPA, NOAA, and USN (United States
Navy) should vigorously implement the MPPRCA and other laws to reduce plastic
pollution in the aquatic environment.
MPPRCA implements MARPOL Annex V by amending the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships.
Simply, MPPRCA requires the Coast Guard to regulate overboard disposal of plastics and other
garbage as described by MARPOL Annex V, calls for sponsorship of reward programs for citizens
reporting MPPRCA violations, and requires adequate port waste-reception facilities. ITF
recommended three areas in which future work should be directed:
a. Place a high priority on compliance with MPPRCA.
b. Place a high priority on enforcement of MPPRCA regulations.
c. Encourage regional fishery councils to require the use of degradable panels or
latches on fish and shellfish traps and pots.
The ITF agreed that implementing and enforcing MPPRCA and other relevant laws will result in a
decrease in the volumes of debris released from vessels and other ocean platforms.
Recommendation 4: Research and Monitoring
Federal agencies should carry out research to identify and quantify deleterious effects
of debris on fish and -wildlife, coastal communities, and vessels; determine land-based
sources of aquatic debris; and assess potential uses for biodegradable products and
the types and effects of byproducts.
The ITF concluded that Federal research programs should focus on identifying debris sources,
methods for controlling and reducing releases, and the extent of its effects on fish, wildlife, and
humans. Through the following efforts, scientists can provide information that will lead to remedies
to resolve the myriad of problems associated with persistent marine debris:
a. Expand research and monitoring activities to develop a more precise
understanding of the impacts to wildlife populations and endangered, threatened,
and depleted species.
b. Work with the private sector to quantify economic impacts of persistent marine
debris.
c. Conduct research to characterize land-based and water-based debris sources, and
develop methods for controlling and reducing releases.
d. Develop practical methods for reducing gear loss, recovering lost gear, and
recycling used gear.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Description of ITF Recommendations
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e. Develop standard definitions for the terms biodegradable andphotodegradable.
f. Work with the plastics industry to examine the behavior and potential
environmental impacts of degradable plastics.
Effective mitigation and education activities that address problems can be developed only after the
sources and extent of the debris problem are accurately characterized and understood. Research into
the sources and effects will enable regulators and the private sector to prioritize the problems and
implement corrective measures.
Recommendation 5: Beach Clean-Up
Federal agencies should work cooperatively among themselves, as well as with state
agencies, private industry, and environmental groups to remove aquatic debris from
beaches and other parts of the aquatic environment. Federal agencies should
encourage coordination with state and local authorities to conduct systematic
monitoring of aquatic debris accumulation and impacts to assess compliance with
regulations prohibiting disposal of plastics and controlling other solid -waste
discharges.
Data collected during beach clean-ups provide comprehensive information about the types and
quantities of persistent marine debris washed onto beaches. The volunteer efforts not only increase
public awareness, they are also an inexpensive mechanism for data collection. The ITF concluded
that Federal agencies should,
a. Expand efforts to remove debris from Federally-managed coastal properties.
b. Support beach clean-up efforts by local volunteers, and encourage Federal
employees to participate in the efforts.
Since the ITF report, the annual beach clean-up effort organized by CMC has expanded from the
coastal areas of three states in 1987 to the coastal and some inland areas of 33 states and 33 countries
in 1992. Federal agencies that sponsor the cleanups include EPA, the Navy, and NOAA.
10
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Description ofJTF Recommendations
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SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
The following is a brief summary of the current status and future needs of Federal programs
implemented to address each of the five ITF recommendations. More specific details of the ongoing
and proposed activities in response to Recommendations 1 through 5 are contained in Appendix C.
Recommendation 1: Federal Leadership
Under this recommendation, Federal agencies are requested to provide leadership and continue formal
and informal coordination of aquatic debris-related activities with international organizations, state and
local governments, private industry, and environmental groups. Federal agencies have assumed the
lead in controlling debris releases from Federal vessels and coastal facilities. The Coast Guard and
NQAA have initiated major changes in their procurement practices in order to minimize the amounts
of plastic taken aboard their vessels with provisions and stores. Similar procurement revisions are
underway at coastal facilities. Accompanying the procurement changes is the encouragement to
recycle waste materials as much as possible. Ships' crews and shore-based personnel are being held
accountable for controlling the discharges of plastic and other man-made materials into the marine
environment. NOAA and EPA have instituted similar policies aboard their vessels.
Many debris-related activities have been undertaken by Federal agencies in the international forum.
The agencies have sponsored several meetings of the international scientific community and the North
Pacific commercial fishing community, in order to disseminate technical and policy-related
information. For example, Federal agencies sponsored the Special Area designation of the Wider
Caribbean and bilateral discussions through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on solid-
waste management in the marine environment.
Recommendation 1A: Cease Disposal of Plastic Materials from all Federal Vessels.
Several agencies have made considerable progress in their attempts to comply with MARPOL
Annex V by engaging in activities to cease ocean disposal of plastic materials from all Federal
vessels. The Coast Guard, Navy, NOAA, and EPA have taken the lead by issuing guidance for
operating their vessels in compliance with MARPOL Annex V and MPPRCA. The Coast Guard also
continues to monitor the progress of U.S. public vessel compliance with MARPOL Annex V and
MPPRCA.
Of all Federal agencies responding to the ITF recommendations, actions by the Coast Guard and the
Navy have been the most significant in terms of Recommendation 1A, due primarily to the fact that,
in combination, these two agencies own most of the sea-going vessels under United States flag. Both
agencies have made great strides toward reducing, storing, disposing, and recycling shipboard wastes.
Working groups to the Pollution Prevention Committee are preparing guidance regarding generation
disposal and recycling of Coast Guard-generated wastes. Coast Guard is outfitting their ships with
trash compactors and incinerators to increase space for waste storage. In the future, the Coast Guard
plans to consolidate and publicize the available information on procedures and technology for
shipboard-waste generation, reduction, and disposal.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
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changes that involve source reduction, source separation, onboard storage, and education efforts.
Since 1989, the Navy has been separating and storing all shipboard plastic waste. For ships at sea for
longer than three days, food-contaminated plastic wastes must be retained for the last three days at
sea, and uncontaminated wastes must be retained for at least 20 days. In the longer-term, the Navy
plans to install equipment to eliminate plastics and all floating debris discharges. These installations
include shipboard metal/glass shredders, solid waste pulpers, vertical solid waste compactors
(producing 30- to 50-lb. sinkable slugs), and plastic waste processors. The Navy's future plans
include implementing phase two of the Annex V compliance strategy, which will require Navy ships
to fully cease at-sea disposal of plastic waste and minimize disposal of other regulated wastes.
EPA, NOAA, and the EPA's Gulf of Mexico Program (GOMP) have also been involved in activities
in response to Recommendation 1A. EPA and NOAA have issued guidance on proper medical-waste
disposal by their vessels, and, based on this guidance, both agencies comply with the U.S. Public and
Medical Waste Anti Dumping Act of 1988. GOMP/EPA is working to establish'a "No Polystyrene "
policy for the entire oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico (50% of the industry already has such
a policy).
Recommendation IB: Review of Federal Procurement and Concession Policies.
A number of Federal agencies have reviewed their procurement and concession systems, and are in
the process of initiating changes to reduce the amount of plastic packaging, containers, and other
products that are dispensed at coastal facilities. The Navy and Coast Guard have taken the lead by
reviewing their procurement and waste-handling practices and instituting acceptable alternatives
designed to minimize shipboard-waste generation.
The Navy's program focuses on substituting plastic items and packing/packaging material for non-
plastic materials where acceptable alternatives exist or can be developed. Supply system personnel
identified plastics items in ship trash streams and are searching for non-plastics substitutes. The Navy
plans to formally change the supply system specifications once acceptable substitutes are identified.
This will require coordination with other non-Navy organizations, such as Defense Logistics Agency
and Government Services Administration, and cooperation from the marketplace where plastic
remains the material of choice. The Navy is also conducting research on the feasibility of using non-
plastic packaging for high volume food items, particularly milk bladders, and is working with the
food packaging industry to encourage the use of non-plastic packaging materials. The Navy is also
continuing to reduce the amount of plastic overwrap and intermediate packaging by switching to
reusable containers as much as possible.
The Coast Guard is currently participating hi three major aspects of the Navy's at-sea waste reduction
program: adopting the Navy procurement system, planning to purchase items from contractors that
have reduced plastics hi then: packaging, and discarding plastic packaging before leaving port. The
Coast Guard has also instructed their ships to store plastic waste on board for disposal at a shore-
based reception facility.
Public outreach and education programs are being initiated by EPA and GOMP/EPA in coordination
with Government Services Administration and state procurement authorities. These programs will
facilitate the purchase of environmentally benign products, thereby reducing the potential for creating
persistent aquatic debris. EPA has also established guidelines for the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution
12
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
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Program (Section 6217 of the 1990 amendment to the Coastal Zone Management Act [CZMA]).
NOAA is working to comply with Executive Order No. 12780 of October 31, 1991, which requires
Federal agencies to purchase recycled products, and is also urging its personnel to comply with
MPPRCA in both public and private life. NOAA will continue to actively seek improvements in
waste reduction aboard Federal vessels through jthe control of stocking, stowage, and procurement
practices.
GOMP/EPA has planned considerable future work to (1) interact with state legislators to secure
legislation that prohibits the mass release of lighter-than-air balloons, (2) review procurement and
concession policies for concession stands along coastal parks and seashores, and (3) require more
recycling bins and trash cans at Gulf of Mexico beaches. Balloon releases have already been
prohibited by Department of Interior (DOI) hi public parks and seashores.
Recommendation 1C: Participation in International Forums.
The Coast Guard, EPA, Marine Mammal Commission (MMC), NOAA, Navy, and several private
industries sponsored the upcoming Third International Conference on Marine Debris on May 8-13,
1994, in Miami, FL, the title of which was Seeking Global Solutions. These agencies have also
participated in several other international meetings, including the Second International Conference on
Marine Debris, which was held in Honolulu hi 1989.
A number of agencies, particularly NOAA, GOMP/EPA, and the Coast Guard, are working in the
Wider Caribbean region to raise awareness and provide the framework for initiating programs to
respond to existing debris problems. Marine debris program objectives specifically related to the
problems in the Wider Caribbean Basin were developed by GOMP/EPA, which has also produced
educational materials in other languages. NOAA has long supported the development of debris
education strategies for the Wider Caribbean and is currently working on several other important
issues related to the debris problems within the designated Special Areas and the Wider Caribbean.
For example, NOAA has been working with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Sub-
Commission for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions/United Nations Environmental Program
(IOCARIBE/UNEP), the World Bank, International Maritime Organization (IMO), and other agencies
on problems related to monitoring and abatement of plastic pollution hi the Wider Caribbean region;
developing waste management infrastructure required to implement MARPOL Annex V Special Area
designation in the Wider Caribbean; and developing guidelines to provide adequate port reception
facilities not only in the designated Special Areas and Wider Caribbean but also worldwide.
The Coast Guard is providing $30,000 for a multi-year program to encourage non-parry nations hi the
Wider Caribbean to adopt MARPOL Annex V and bring the Special Area designation into effect, and
to include the Gulf of Mexico. The Coast Guard has made a commitment to support the World Bank
project, entitled the Wider Caribbean Initiative on Ship Generated Waste, which the Coast Guard will
support the efforts of the regional coordinators and provide technical assistance to the World Bank.
Federal agencies continue to work closely with IOCARIBE to provide assistance and sponsorship of
the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Waste Management Program of the Wider
Caribbean Initiative on Ship Generated Waste.
Several agencies have also been working to make MARPOL Annex V compliance a standard practice
throughout the world. NOAA, the Coast Guard, and the Navy have contributed significantly hi this
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
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area. NOAA has improved the guidelines for the provisions of Annex V port-reception facilities to
be incorporated into the IMO's comprehensive manual on port reception facilities. They have also
been working closely with appropriate international organizations to promote the ratification of
MARPOL Annex V and to sponsor debris-related education programs.
The Coast Guard has incorporated MARPOL Annex V curriculum into their Port Safety Training
Program; the curriculum will emphasize port safety, environmental protection, and compliance. The
Coast Guard also sponsored and coordinated the April 1993 OECS MARPOL Annex V Enforcement
Workshop. In addition, the Coast Guard, as well as other Federal Agencies continued supporting the
Marine Board study on actions to implement provisions of Annex V.
The Navy has been instrumental hi encouraging international cooperation and participation in bilateral
discussions. Within NATO, they have established Special Working Group 12 (SWG/12) on Maritime
Environmental Protection. The SWG/12 charter requires the 11 member nations to exchange ;
information on plastic and other solid waste management practices as an integral part of the maritime
environmental protection discussions. The Navy participates in bilateral maritime environmental
protection agreements, and exchanges information with non-NATO navies via bilateral meetings. The
Navy plans to remain very active as a participant in these international forums and expects the
SWG/12 to become very active in the near future.
Significant contributions have been made hi the area of international research. NOAA has been
working with the North Pacific Fisheries Commission hi implementing and reporting North Pacific
aquatic debris surveys, and has implemented an aquatic debris education program directed at
communities of the North Pacific. NOAA/NMFS convenes an annual MERP meeting to review the
status and results of the most recent debris related-research, education and mitigation, and to identify
priority tasks to be carried out hi the near future.
Several agencies have cooperated to make a variety of other significant debris-related contributions
that will benefit the international community. These contributions include
Suggesting that the MARPOL Annex V guidelines which were adopted by the Marine
Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) be strengthened and that federal agencies
assist MEPC hi developing separate guidelines on port reception facilities for a variety of
pollutants including marine debris;
Supporting the MO vote for the Special Area designation for the Gulf and Wider
Caribbean and the training of Caribbean delegates for implementation of MARPOL
Annex V; and
Providing the IOC/GIPME (Global Investigation of Pollution in the Marine Environment)
program with a manual for monitoring marine debris and recommending that a regional
intercalibration exercise in the Wider Caribbean be planned to test the manual methods.
Federal agencies should participate in the planning and execution of the intercalibration
exercise hi the Wider Caribbean to test the GIPME methods manual).
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Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
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Recommendation ID: Encourage Plastic-Waste Recycling.
Many Federal agencies and selected industries nation-wide are encouraged to sponsor and participate
in programs that promote recycling by providing separate receptacles for various types of trash,
purchasing recyclable products, and providing technical support for recycling to state and local
agencies and industry. Also, the agencies have expended considerable time and resources to assess
the value of recycling plastic waste material and to promote recycling of both plastic and non-plastic
wastes as a means for controlling the discharge of debris into the aquatic environment. Several
agencies are sponsoring either pilot programs or comprehensive recycling programs designed not only
to reclaim recyclable waste materials, but also educate recreational boaters, beachgoers, and the
general public on the environmental impacts of debris and the benefits of recycling.
EPA and GOMP/EPA have made significant contributions to this nation-wide recycling initiative.
EPA has awarded contracts to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
(NYSDEC) and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy (NJDEPE) to
promote recycling in selected marinas of New York and New Jersey. The NYSDEC project,
MARPOL Vat Marinas, targeted juvenile and adult audiences hi five local marinas, and offered
visually effective displays carrying the message of proper waste disposal and recycling. The NJDEPE
project was conducted at three marinas ranging in size, logistics, and traffic volume. The project
found that recycling programs at marinas were most successful when the placement of recycling bins
was coupled with a strong public education effort. Educational exhibits were on display at each
marina, and New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Services gave a MARPOL Annex V brochure to every
registered boater in the state.
GOMP/EPA established programs to provide resources for recycling beach debris in three states
Alabama, Texas, and Mississippi with coastlines along the Gulf of Mexico. Since 1991, the
Alabama Beach Clean-up Program has been collecting aluminum, glass, and plastic bottles. The
Texas General Land Office (GLO) maintains a state beach-cleaning fund that provides matching grants
to coastal counties. The grants are used to fund the placement of adequate trash and more recently
recycling receptacles on Texas beaches. The Texas GLO is also working with the recycling industry
to develop a plan to handle debris at ports and marinas; this effort will require a significant amount of
coordination and research to provide cost effective services to everyone. The Texas GLO is also
working to have the Texas Legislature pass a law, similar to the Mississippi Marine Litter Act, for
Texas State waters, and the Texas State Recycling Bill which mandates recycling in state, county, and
city agencies and gives preference to purchasing of recycled products. Finally, recycling of beach
debris has been encouraged during beach clean-ups in Mississippi, and separated recycling containers
will be provided as funding becomes available.
GOMP/EPA allocated funds to implement an annual program to survey docks, marinas, and access
areas in the Gulf. EPA Regions IV and VI and Texas and Louisiana Sea Grant staff are participating.
The project will provide information necessary for initiating an awards program, implemented by the
GOMP/EPA Marine Debris Subcommittee, that recognizes utilization of proper, easy-to-use, and
cost-effective trash facilities. GOMP/EPA also directed the Offshore Operations Committee (OOC) to
establish the Environmental Waste-Recycling Committee (EWRC) to address solid-waste management
practices for the oil and gas industry. The EWRC subsequently completed the investigation phase for
developing a baseline, and met with individual companies to discuss waste-management practices.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Summary of Activities
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Both the Navy and Coast Guard have also initiated recycling programs to reduce waste at their
respective shore based facilities. The Navy is now running a demonstration recycling project around
the Norfolk, VA, Naval Complex. This project integrates the recycling effort with a larger program
to improve solid waste management and disposal costs in the Norfolk area. Results of the project are
pending; if successful, the Navy will encourage other Navy facilities to undertake similar programs.
The Coast Guard has also developed waste-reduction and recycling programs at shore-based units.
Depending on individual circumstances, units will sell their recyclable wastes or pay companies to
recycle their waste. State and local regulations may further direct programs at individual units.
The Navy, hi partnership with the Society of the Plastics Industries, Inc. (SPI) Council for Solid
Waste Solutions, has been evaluating methods and program options for recycling plastics waste, with
the hope of recycling those wastes on ships rather than disposing them in landfills. In 1990, a pilot
study was conducted to recycle plastics waste removed from an aircraft carrier and other ships. The
plastics wastes were washed, separated, and baled ashore, and subsequently transported to a
commercial recycling facility where it was made into plastic lumber for picnic tables, park benches,
fence posts, and pallets.
NOAA initiated several studies to examine the possibility of recycling fishing nets. Small net
recycling programs are operating hi West Coast, Alaskan, and Gulf of Mexico ports. Demonstration
programs are also being considered hi New England. In the future, NOAA proposes to actively assist
fishing ports in developing effective fishing-gear recycling systems. The National Park Service (NFS)
has also continued recycling programs hi many coastal units of the National Park System. CMC has
coordinated and will continue to coordinate state and local cleanups that promoted recycling of debris
and the use of recycled goods.
The plastics industry, represented by SPI, has expended considerable effort and resources in
developing recycling technologies and identifying firms that accept recyclable plastic wastes. Plastic
resin producers hi the United States will have invested more than $]..2 billion through 1995 in the
recycling and reclaiming of post-consumer and manufacturing plastic waste. New automated sorting
technologies are now hi full-scale commercial use by more than a dozen plastic recyclers in the
United States. These systems can sort the different types of plastic resins and some can further
sort by color without costly and often inaccurate manual labor. The plastics industry is making
investments to further develop and commercialize this technology for widespread use. The industry
also developed the Recycled Products Guideฎ, a comprehensive guide to hundreds of products on the
market today that contain post-consumer recycled plastic. In late April 1993, the American Plastics
Council published its Recycled Plastics Products Source Book and Database that lists more than 450
products that are available for purchase today. Demand remains the key to building markets and
increasing the amount of plastics that can be economically recycled.
Ultimately, education is the key to a successful recycling and debris reduction program. NOAA
sponsored and directed aquatic debris education and MPPRCA compliance programs for fishermen in
all U.S. regions. They have also produced and distributed, through the Marine Debris Information
Offices, educational materials on plastic waste recycling programs for concerned citizens.
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Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
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Recommendation IE: NOAA Coordinates and Disseminates Marine Debris Information.
NQAA and EPA fund the Marine Debris Information Offices that are staffed by CMC. The offices
distribute a wide array of debris-related information, ranging from placards and stickers to educational
videos and curricula.
NOAA/MERP has continued to conduct annual meetings to review the status and results of recent
debris-related research, education, and mitigation, and to establish priorities for aquatic plastic debris
education and research projects for funding during the next fiscal year. The recommendations
resulting from these reviews were distributed to constituents and colleagues, both within and outside
of the Federal government, for review and comment prior to implementation.
Recommendation IF: NOAA Sponsors the Informal Marine Debris Roundtable.
NOAA, EPA, and Coast Guard convened Marine Debris Roundtables with rotating chairpersons
between 1986 and 1991. The Roundtables have included Federal and private industry representatives
who meet to discuss ways to become more effective in mitigating the persistent debris problem. The
last meeting was held in the spring of 1991. Efforts are underway to reconvene similar meetings.
The Commandant of the Coast Guard has proposed to the NOAA and EPA Administrators that a
meeting be conducted to initiate the development of a national marine environmental protection
strategy among the three agencies. In the future, this document will be used as a tool to develop a
coordinated strategy.
Recommendation 16: Administration Should Support NOAA/MERP by including it in Budgets
through FY 95.
NOAA/MERP's funding for FY 85 was $1,000,000. In FY 94, MERP's budget was $650,000.
With decreasing budgets, closer coordination between Federal agencies during marine debris activities
will become more and more essential.
Recommendation 1H: Include Aquatic Debris as an Element in the Five-Year Federal Plan for
Ocean Pollution Research, Development, and Monitoring.
The National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978, which required NOAA to prepare such Federal
Plan has not being re-authorized. As a result, there is no longer a Federal Plan under which to fulfill
this recommendation. NOAA/MERP has suggested that Federal agencies continue research,
development, and monitoring efforts outlined in the recommendation under their own agendas.
Recommendation 2: Public Awareness/Education Programs
Prior to publication of the ITF report, two public education campaigns dealing with debris had been
initiated. NOAA's program focused exclusively on marine debris issues and provided leadership to
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
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states and the private sector; the program targeted specific groups, such as fishermen, elementary
school children, and the plastics industry. The Department of Interior (DOT) program, entitled Take
Pride in America, encompassed debris as well as other issues facing managers of public lands and
resources. Recommendation 2 involves continuing and increasing public education efforts regarding
persistent debris in order to ensure that those responsible for perpetuating the problem may also be
responsible for solving the problem.
Since the ITF report, Federal agencies continue to sponsor a wide range of public outreach activities.
Multimedia programs have been undertaken to educate recreational and commercial boaters and
fishermen, the military, school children, and the general public in regard to the sources, impacts, and
laws concerrung aquatic debris. Many materials have been translated into Spanish and other foreign
languages to accommodate the non-English-speaking public that operate in coastal waters of the
United States. Federal agencies share educational materials routinely, and may use NOAA's Marine
Debris Information Offices to distribute the materials.
Recommendation 2A: Support a major public awareness campaign.
The ITF recognized the need for cooperative efforts by Federal agencies to successfully control debris
releases, and several Agencies jointly and independently sponsored public awareness campaigns.
NOAA's MERP administers the National Marine Debris Information Office network, which is
partially sponsored by EPA, the Federal assistance for the National Coastal Cleanup Program, and the
Wider Caribbean Marine Debris Education Strategy Development. The information offices produce
and disseminate information on persistent aquatic debris to the general public and to other Federal
debris educational efforts. Information is available in several formats, including video, slides,
booklets, brochures, and stickers, and some forms have been translated into Spanish. Descriptions of
the various multimedia campaigns and material available may be found hi Appendix D.
The Coast Guard sponsored publication of the Officer Snook Coloring Book, which provides grade-
school children with information and games on marine pollution and suggests ways they can fight
pollution. The Coast Guard recommends the development and distribution of a non-technical manual
on MARPOL requirements that is targeted at commercial and recreational boaters and fishermen, and
the development of a zero-discharge program for deep-draft vessels.
CMC conducted a national public education campaign, partially sponsored by EPA and other
agencies, using the cartoon character Popeye, including a 30-second television public service
announcement and a toll-free (1-800) telephone number. They have also developed and distributed
The Gulf of Mexico: A Special Place, an activity book for teachers and elementary school children,
and they have translated A Citizen's Guide to Plastics in the Ocean into Spanish. The NFS provided
information on the issue of aquatic debris and proper disposal of shipboard wastes to visitors and
presented the aquatic debris issue in schools and to public groups hi the vicinity of coastal units of the
National Park System.
EPA, NOAA, and CMC worked with SPI to produce educational materials for the plastics industry,
which is the primary source of resin pellets hi U.S. harbors and other coastal aquatic environments.
In 1989, these agencies initiated a campaign to educate major resin pellet producers and processors
about the hazards of pellets to wildlife. EPA studies of debris in U.S. harbors and sewer systems
conducted between 1988 and 1992, however, indicated that pellets continued to be released into the
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environment by the plastics industry. In 1991, a second educational campaign, entitled Operation
Clean Sweep, was initiated that was aimed at eliminating pellet discharges by the entire plastics
industry and its affiliates.
The Gulf of Maine Program (GOM) provided seed money to initiate local public awareness and other
efforts in Portland, ME; Rockland, ME; and Portsmouth, NH. Brochures, imprinted litter bags, and
stickers were distributed, and signs were placed on wharves. GOM also encouraged private support
for the Portland effort, and approximately $10,000 in cash and in-kind contributions were received by
the Portland Harbor Marine Debris Council. Similarly, the Casco Bay National Estuary Program
funded production and distribution of litter bags for use by fishermen in Portland.
EPA Region n developed and led a major anti-litter campaign called Clean Streets/Clean Beaches that
was designed to inform the public about the link between street and beach litter. The campaign
kicked-off in April 1992, and is an ongoing effort in Region II. The Region encouraged other groups
to develop spin-off programs utilizing the Clean Streets/Clean Beaches theme. To date, campaigns
have been started by the Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service (Clean Roads/Clean Reefs), four
northern New Jersey counties (Clean Streets/Clean Waterways), Union County, NJ (Clean
Streets/Clean Streams), and New York City (Team Up To Clean Up).
EPA has taken major steps in developing curricula and educational materials that have and will
continue to be incorporated into our education system (ranging from grades K through 12). EPA
Headquarters has developed a school curriculum and poster, entitled Turning the Tide on Trash: A
Learning Guide on Marine Debris (available in English and Spanish), that address the sources and
effects of aquatic debris and relevant available pollution prevention techniques, and has also compiled
an aquatic debris bibliography that is available to the general public. They have also produced a
video summarizing on-site investigations of floatables accumulation in the New York/New Jersey
Harbor complex and identifying the most heavily impacted shorelines. EPA has suggested that
development of public service announcements, posters, brochures, and public/technical presentations
and publications be continued in the future.
EPA Region HI has distributed educational packets on aquatic debris in response to requests for
information, and has spoken to school groups about the role of aquatic debris in coastal protection.
EPA Region X distributed signs featuring the Popeye cartoon character and a message about proper
shipboard waste practices at every public access point in Puget Sound. The California Marine Debris
Steering Committee, chaired by EPA Region DC, hi coordination with the CMC, revised California's
Adopt-A-Beach curriculum, entitled Save Our Shores, to include more aquatic debris activities, and
expanded the curriculum to cover all grades (K through 12). Finally, the San Francisco Estuary
Project developed a citizen's guide to pollution prevention that focuses on non-point source issues,
including the introduction of litter into the estuary through storm drams.
Several agencies jointly developed programs and distributed educational materials to aquatic user
groups, such as commercial fishermen, merchant shippers, and recreational fishermen and boaters,
and to the plastics industry. For example, the Environmental Handbook for Mariners describes how
recreational boaters can comply with Federal regulations governing the discharge of sewage, litter,
and other pollutants from vessels. Another program, entitled Stow It Don't Throw It, was developed
to disseminate information at recreational fishermen tournaments.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
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Recommendation 2B: Educate employees and candidates for licenses, such as competency
licenses and certificates, fishing licenses and boating registrations.
The ITF recommended that the Coast Guard and the Navy, as well as other Federal agencies, take the
lead in educating their employees and candidates for license regarding persistent debris problems and
solutions. The Coast Guard has published and distributed debris information to all Gulf Coast
squadrons and has provided enforcement guidance to trained personnel from 16 field units and several
district offices. The Coast Guard also is developing other internal outreach programs aimed at
personnel of the Marine Environmental Protection Division and marine safety units and reserves that
will enable them to identify local debris issues and empower them to act accordingly on those issues.
Working with GOMP/EPA, the Coast Guard distributed 80 video tapes describing debris issues to
Coast Guard Auxiliary and fishing-vessel coordinators for use in their training programs. In the
future, these programs should be developed for use at Coast Guard Boater Eduction Classes and
licensing courses. '
The Navy has developed an education strategy that focuses on motivating the entire shipboard chain-
of-command, from ships' officers to crews, by providing justification for and useful information about
MPPRCA requirements. Using experience gained during shipboard demonstration projects, the Navy
designed an educational package that was first sent to all ships in 1988. The package was so well
received by officers and enlisted personnel that, in 1991, the Navy distributed an updated package
with a revised guide and a new videotape. The Navy hopes to continue this successful program into
the future.
Several efforts were undertaken to provide marine debris-related material to boat operators through
the licensing process. GOMP/EPA provided information supplements to persons purchasing
commercial fishing licenses or renewing boat registrations in coastal counties of Mississippi, and later
expanded the program statewide. Similarly, New Jersey Sea Grant worked with thatstate's
Department of Motor Vehicles to include an insert in boater registration packets that explained
MARPOL Annex V and directed information inquiries to New Jersey Sea Grant. Approximately
10,000 MARPOL Annex V placards were distributed through this program.
Recommendation 2C: Support an interagency information exchange.
A sound nationwide environmental education program targeting children as well as adults is a major
component necessary to resolve the nations aquatic debris problem. Several agencies have initiated
programs to provide educational curricula, demonstration projects, and materials (e.g., brochures,
booklets, videos, and Public Service Announcements) .to inform the public about the problems
associated with aquatic debris and the effort required to resolve those problems.
Other agencies that have contributed to the nationwide effort to provide education curricula and
materials include EPA, GOMP/EPA, NOAA, the Coast Guard, and the CMC. GOMP/EPA has
conducted an aquatic debris information survey to review all current educational and informational
materials on aquatic debris in the Gulf of Mexico. They suggest encouraging public and private
educational programs throughout the Gulf to include units on aquatic debris, and reviewing and
purchasing videos on aquatic debris for use in programs and resource rooms. GOMP/EPA has also
assisted Children's Alliance for the Protection of the Environment (CAPE) in developing the CAPE
Program Guide that includes information for youth concerning environmental issues. As a future
20
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
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need for this issue, GOMP/EPA suggests a follow-up survey of students and educators who received
the CAPE Guide to determine measures of success for environmental training. They produced a
public service announcement featuring a dolphin that lives in the Gulf of Mexico, an 18-min long
video entitled Marine Debris: An Action Plan for a Clean Gulf of Mexico, the Marine Debris Action
Plan, and the manual How to Start and Run an Adopt-A-Beach Program. They established an Office
Environmental Education, and Environmental Education and Recycling Awareness Curriculum, and
an Environmental Education Advisory Council.
GOMP/EPA developed a Communication Plan that addresses the aquatic debris issue, outlines target
audiences, and identifies messages to be conveyed. NOAA designed and established the multiagency
Marine Debris Information Offices. The Coast Guard developed a toll-free marine pollution reporting
system and guidance for reporting marine pollution offenders. MMC submitted and distributed
Annual Reports to Congress that include chapters on aquatic debris and relevant actions by MMC and
other domestic and international agencies.
NOAA presented marine debris education messages through NOAA Sea-N-Air radio programs and
designed and established the multiagency Marine Debris Information Offices. NOAA also produced
Trashing the Oceans, an international award whining film on plastic aquatic debris, and gave media
interviews and sponsored many technical papers on the impact and mitigation of plastic aquatic debris.
NOAA recommends that Federal agencies continue the existing media campaign about the causes and
prevention of aquatic plastic pollution; expand media coverage of the debris problem to include
foreign nations, especially in the Wider Caribbean region; and use video presentation to demonstrate
linkage between land-based waste control and aquatic debris sources.
EPA Region VI conducted a study hi 1991 and 1992 to characterize typical waste found in ports and
marinas, current waste-handling practices, and strategies to encourage proper waste-handling practices
at boating facilities. The Region will share the report findings with the Coast Guard, and will widely
distribute the report throughout the region and to interested parties. EPA Region 1 developed its first
management plan for the Massachusetts Bay Program and addressed aesthetic environmental quality
and aquatic debris in issue papers.
Aside from the overwhelming number of contributions to Recommendation 2C made by individual
agencies, many of these same agencies have also worked hi concert to provide programs and materials
to explain aquatic debris-related problems and encourage proper waste-disposal methods. They have
(1) provided funding for public service announcements on aquatic debris; (2) developed the Stow It
Don't Throw It program for recreational fishing tournaments and attended trade shows, conferences,
and seminars to disseminate information to aquatic user groups; (3) continued to oversee a project that
prints stencils on the street adjacent to storm drams that carry the message not to pollute and explain
where the storm water discharges; (4) developed and disseminated educational materials for aquatic
user groups, including five public service announcements and accompanying brochures for
commercial fishermen, merchant shippers, recreational fishermen and boaters, and the plastics
industry; and (5) conducted demonstration projects for public monitoring and awareness of debris
generated by storm sewers and CSOs.
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Recommendation 2D: The Coast Guard should educate owners and operators of all vessels,
ports, and the boating public.
The Coast Guard is jointly participating with other Federal and local agencies in several
public/education initiatives. Two pilot programs (one in New England/New York/New Jersey, and
the Atlantic Coast of Florida, and the second in the Gulf of Mexico) were designed to improve
compliance to MARPOL Annexes I and V and sewage regulations by commercial fishing vessels,
marina operators, and recreational boaters. Several agencies provided and disseminated outreach and
education materials through these programs. The Coast Guard, NOAA, and EPA have also
sponsored waste-disposal education programs for recreational boaters, and NOAA produced a series
of marine debris fact sheets aimed at boaters and marina operators.
NOAA, EPA, and the Coast Guard prepared guidelines for implementing MARPOL Annex V that
were subsequently adopted and published by the IMO. Federal agencies have also produced
guidelines for several aquatic-user groups. Guidelines on compliance with waste-reception-facility
requirements were produced for shipping agents, port operators, and waste haulers. Also produced
were guidelines for operators of deep-draft vessels for developing shipboard waste-minimization
programs.
EPA acquired free booth space at the New York National Boat Show in January 1993. The display
consisted of enlarged photographs and -videos, and targeted marine debris issues and their relationship
to recreational boaters. Thousands of pamphlets were distributed during the 10-day event. The
marine debris booth was so successful that EPA Region II plans to continue sponsoring the booth each
year as part of then- public outreach program.
Recommendation 3: Vigorously Implement Laws
The Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships as amended by MPPRCA requires the Coast Guard to
implement and enforce the provisions of MARPOL Annex V on U.S.-registered ships operating
world-wide and on foreign-registered ships operating in the navigable waters and exclusive economic
zone of the United States. The regulations also require that ships owned and operated by the U.S.
government (civilian and military) comply with the regulations within five years. MPPRCA also
requires studies of methods to reduce plastic pollution (EPA) and describe environmental effects of
debris (NOAA),and the conduct of a public outreach program (NOAA, EPA, DOT).
Recommendation 3 requests DOT, EPA, NOAA, and the Navy to vigorously implement the
MPPRCA and all other laws designed to reduce plastic pollution in the aquatic environment.
Federal agencies have instituted policies designed to achieve full compliance with MPPRCA aboard
Federal vessels, and are working to enforce MPPRCA requirements aboard other vessels.
Enforcement actions taken by the Coast Guard have increased significantly in the last few years, as
have reports of violations by foreign-flagged vessels.
Recommendation 3A: Make compliance with MPPRCA a high priority.
In May 1993, the Coast Guard proposed amendments to MPPRCA that will require certain manned,
ocean-going, commercial vessels to maintain records of refuse discharges. The revised regulations
22 Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
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will encompass vessels 40 feet or more in length, where the earlier regulations applied only to vessels
79 feet or more in length. The Coast Guard has also solicited the assistance of Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service (APHIS) inspectors hi identifying merchant vessels that are illegally
discharging garbage. Approximately 100 billets dedicated to MARPOL enforcement activities have
been acquired by the Coast Guard.
In response to an MPPRCA requirement, EPA developed the 1990 Report to Congress entitled
Methods to Manage and Control Plastic Wastes, which identified plastic articles of concern, evaluated
the use of degradable plastics, and examined methods for controlling debris sources. NOAA also
produced a required Report to Congress that described the effects of debris on living aquatic
resources.
EPA developed a floatables action plan for inclusion hi the New York Bight Restoration Plan, and
formed a floatables work group under the Long Island Sound Study (LISS) that was responsible for
completing the floatables module for the draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan
(CCMP). The workgroup of the New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuary Program plans to complete a
floatables module for the estuary's CCMP that will also be used to update the Comprehensive Plan
for Addressing Floatables in New York Bight.
The NOAA Undersecretary directed all NOAA ships, personnel, and charter vessels to comply with
MPPRCA. NOAA personnel were also encouraged to follow the regulations while off duty. NOAA
also developed a model plastics refuse and minimization plan for ships. EPA vessels also comply
with MPPRCA.
The Navy must comply with the plastic discharge prohibition of MPPRCA by 1994 (a recently
introduced bill may extend this deadline to 1998), and as a result, development and installation of
suitable shipboard equipment is a top priority for the Navy. Navy personnel are now separating
plastic waste from non-plastic waste, and ships are storing the plastic waste for disposal at appropriate
waste facilities in port.
Several agencies continue to participate at MEPC meetings and work with the Marine Board of the
National Research Council to evaluate issues and problems related to implementing MARPOL Annex
V. The agencies have testified at Congressional oversight hearings regarding implementation efforts.
Additional efforts are needed to develop more joint, interagency mechanisms for enforcing MPPRCA,
such as assisting state agencies hi developing legislation for enforcing MPPRCA regulations.
Under NOAA sponsorship, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators conducted a
survey hi 1989 to determine the number of states having laws prohibiting the discharge of boat waste
as described in MARPOL Annex V. Thirty-seven states responded that they have such laws in place.
NOAA also monitored coastal state actions to comply with the MPPRCA, and shared this information
with other coastal state organizations. Finally, NOAA conducted numerous studies which examine
the effects of MPPRCA regulations and solid waste disposal problems within remote fishing ports.
Recommendation 3B: Make enforcement of MPPRCA regulatory requirements a high priority.
The Coast Guard has taken major steps to enforce MPPRCA. Civil and criminal penalties have
increased since 1991. The number of civil penalties and the average penalty per violation increased
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
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significantly: in 1991, 12 civil penalties were assessed totaling $39,400, or an average of $3,283 per
violation, and, in 1992, 47 civil penalties were assessed totaling $299,050, or an average of $6,363 '
per violation. Substantial criminal penalties were levied for the first time in 1993: the cruiseliner
Regal Princess case in Miami resulted in a maximum criminal penalty of $500,000, and a case against
the fish processing vessel Michelle Irene in Seattle resulted in a $150,000 fine.
The Coast Guard also generated MARPOL Annex V violation cases over a broader geographic area
from 1991 to the present. In 1991, most cases were generated along the northeast, southeast, Gulf,
and Alaskan coasts. During 1992, violation cases were more evenly distributed nationwide, with
significant increases occurring along the mid-Atlantic, Southwest, Hawaiian, and Pacific coastal
districts. NOAA augmented the Coast Guard's enforcement efforts by distributing the Coast Guard-
approved pollution violation record forms to concerned citizens. The Coast Guard has expanded the
existing oil-and-chemical-spills toll-free hotline to accommodate a toll-free MARPOL Annex V
hotline.
At the October 1992 meeting of MEPC 33, the Coast Guard conveyed the United States'
dissatisfaction with flag nations enforcement and the lack of responses from flag nations about
whether action was being taken against vessels that violated the provisions of MARPOL Annex V
within U.S. waters. In July of that year, the Coast Guard began taking enforcement action under
U.S. law, including referral to the Department of Justice of all suspected MARPOL Annex V
violations by foreign-flagged vessels operating hi the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The
previous policy had been to forward cases involving vessels of signatory nations to the flag nation's
administration for investigation and enforcement action. Since the meeting of MEPC 33, the response
rate from flag nations has improved, and the Coast Guard has generated 22 cases under the new
policy. By March 1993, 10 cases have reached the hearing officer, five of which resulted in penalties
totaling $45,000. By April 15, 1993, the Coast Guard had forwarded 235 Annex V violation cases
for flag nation enforcement: hi the 87 responses, few reported taking penalty action,against the
vessel, most responses only acknowledged receipt of the cases, and.many others reported insufficient
evidence and dismissed the cases. Liberia has assessed penalties in six cases forwarded by the United
States, with 10 other cases under investigation. The Coast Guard is currently investigating a report
from Japan regarding a U.S. tanker that allegedly discharged oil in Japanese waters. Conversely, the
Japanese have expressed new interest hi the 12 MARPOL-violation cases the Coast Guard has
forwarded to the Japanese government through the Department of State since 1989; however, no
official responses have been received.
The Coast Guard is hi the process of instituting training sessions for its personnel in the enforcement
of MPPRCA, including personnel aboard Coast Guard cutters and aircraft. Field units are instructed
to react hi a timely manner to all reports of violations, and are trained in methods for collecting all
information necessary for a successful violation case against a vessel. The compliance efforts are also
expanding to include Coast Guard fisheries patrol programs and DOA's APHIS inspection program. *
To improve compliance, the Coast Guard recently proposed to the IMO an international requirement
for refuse recordkeeping.
The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) made compliance with the plastics waste discharge restrictions
a high priority among Navy ships through a personnel notice to all ship Commanding Officers. The
notice stated that a Commanding Officer will be relieved of duty if their ship is found in violation of
the restrictions. Such a notice from the CNO is unprecedented for shipboard pollution abatement.
GOMP/EPA, the Texas GLO, and Texas and Louisiana Sea Grant completed a 1991 survey of port
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Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
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and marina wastes in Texas and Louisiana to determine (1) the effectiveness of MARPOL Annex V-
related legislation; (2) whether recycling is being pursued, and (3) the costs of recycling where it is
being pursued. GOMP/EPA is funding a follow-up survey of vessel operators to obtain more
information regarding Annex V requirements for boaters and reception facility usage.
Under the authority of the Shore Protection Act, EPA and the Coast Guard are working to develop a
regulatory program that addresses vessel transport of wastes. Under this act, EPA also prepared a
Report to Congress describing the need and effectiveness of a system for tracking vessels transporting
wastes in U.S. waters, and is,developing regulations.
Additional efforts are underway to enforce MARPOL Annex V-related regulations on commercial
fishing vessels, cruiseliners, merchant vessels, and recreational boaters, with particular focus on
recreational and commercial fishing fleets, which generate 83% of garbage pollution from vessels.
Historically, enforcement programs have focused primarily on deep-draft commercial vessels and port
communities. The Coast Guard has encouraged and simplified the public reporting of MPPRCA
violations, vastly increased publicity for prosecution and punishment of MPPRCA offenders, and
began a program to educate the public in reporting marine pollution through the 1-800 (toll-free)
number.
Recommendation 3C: Encourage the use of degradable panels or latches on fish and shellfish
traps and pots.
NOAA collected and reported information on gear-loss rates in all U.S. fisheries to regional fisheries
management councils, and the councils have implemented disabling or time-releasing requirements hi
most pot and trap fisheries. EPA has provided information to the Derelict Net Removal Task Force.
In the future, agencies should require the use of biodegradable fishing nets and shellfish traps and
pots.
Recommendation 4: Research and Monitoring
The ITF recognized pre-1988 efforts by NOAA/MERP and other federal agencies to study the
environmental impacts of debris, quantify the extent of the problem, and review the use of bio- and
photo-degradable substitutes. Despite these early efforts, the economic effects of debris on coastal
communities and vessels were poorly understood and studies or other systematic evaluations of these
impacts were not found.
The lack of understanding of debris sources was also identified by the ITF. Certain sources, such as
offshore oil-and-gas industry (barrels and hardhats), the commercial fishing industry (nets and gear),
and the plastics industry (resin pellets), were readily apparent. Many debris items, however, could
originate from multiple sources, and the sources were not obvious. Regulations developed under
MPPRCA control only debris from water-based sources (vessels and platforms), and additional
information was necessary in order to regulate land-based sources of debris.
Recommendation 4 involves the conduct of research and monitoring activities. Specifically, the ITF
recommended that research be conducted to describe deleterious impacts of debris on vessels, coastal
communities, and wildlife; land-based and ocean-based sources of debris; and potential uses of
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
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degradable products. Of these specific activities, the greatest amount of work has involved
identifying and characterizing debris sources, including municipal waste-water and sewage systems,
the plastics industry, ports/marinas, offshore platforms, and the fishing industry. Methods for
controlling or eliminating the sources have been examined.
Recommendation 4A: Determine more precisely the impacts on fish and wildlife populations,
particularly endangered, threatened, and depleted species.
NOAA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and the Marine Mammal Commission (MMC)-were
specifically asked to expand their research and monitoring activities to assess impacts of debris to
wildlife populations. These agencies have established multi-year research programs to study the
impacts of debris entanglement and ingestion to juvenile sea turtles hi the Atlantic Ocean, northern fur
seal populations of Alaska, Hawaiian monk seals of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, humpback
whales in the Gulf of Maine, and toothed whales and dolphins, juvenile pelagic (and other) sea
turtles, and seabirds of the coastal United States. The MMC has sponsored a report summarizing the
known sources and effects of debris hi the North Sea, the northwest Atlantic Ocean, the Wider
Caribbean, and the coast off Baja, CA. Additional research continues to be needed on effects upon
sea turtles, humpback and right whales, baleen whales, and seabirds.
Recommendation 4B: Quantify economic impacts of debris.
NOAA commissioned two studies of the economic impacts of marine debris on recreation, tourism,
and local fisheries. Research was also sponsored on the economic impacts to remote Alaskan port
communities of receiving vessel-generated wastes. Sea Grant continues to work with local businesses
and small ports and marinas to address methods for complying with MPPRCA that can be
implemented within local conditions. Additional work remains to be done in order to assess the
impacts of debris on tourism, the maritime industry, commercial fishing, and living resources.
Recommendation 4C: Determine contributions of Hand-based and water-based sources to the
debris problem, and identify methods to reduce discharges from all sources.
The ITF identified EPA, NOAA, and the Coast Guard as having primary responsibility for addressing
this recommendation.
A number of agencies, including NOAA, EPA, Navy, and Maritime Administration (MARAD),
supported an independent study by the National Research Council's Marine Board to examine the
persistent aquatic debris problem hi the United States and to determine solutions to that problem.
Other agencies, including Coast Guard, U.S. Department of Agriculture, CMC, and Texas GLO, are
organizing the second MARPOL Coordinating Committee to share information about MARPOL
Annex V activities and improve coordination between organizations.
Between 1988 and 1992, EPA conducted a major sampling program to investigate floating debris in
U.S. harbors and to identify known or potential sources of the debris. Harbors sampled were Boston,
New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Norfolk, Miami, Galveston/Houston, Seattle, Tacoma, San
Francisco, Oakland, Honolulu, and San Juan and Mayagiiez hi Puerto Rico. The study findings and
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Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
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conclusions were reported in two EPA-published documents and at two international marine debris
meetings.
CSOs, storm sewers and wastewater treatment plants in Philadelphia and Boston were also studied by
EPA to document the types of floating debris entering sewage treatment facilities and released from
CSOs and storm sewers; these discharges were found to be significant land-based sources of debris hi
coastal waterways. EPA subsequently initiated a study on the effects of Philadelphia CSOs and
storm-water discharges (SWDs) on the Schuylkill River. The study evaluated existing laws and
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit language nationwide as they may
apply to the City of Philadelphia, and recommended specific changes to strengthen their ability to
mitigate aquatic-debris discharges. The study also conducted a scientific examination in the CSO and
SWD watersheds to determine the debris loading from each watershed. The land-use characterization
and evaluation of existing control measures demonstrate the magnitude of the effort that will be
needed to control the continuous debris discharges to waterways from urban centers such as
Philadelphia.
EPA has also developed regulations and other guidance for reducing or controlling the release of
debris from land-based sources. EPA drafted the National CSO Control Strategy for Controlling the
Release of Debris into the Aquatic Environment, which implements the provisions of CWA pertaining
to CSOs, and released final regulations on Storm Sewer Discharge Permit Applications that will
require coverage of storm sewer discharges under the NPDES permitting system. With full State
compliance, these actions will result in a significant decrease in the volumes of street litter released by
CSOs and SWDs during heavy rainfall.
With regard to ports and marinas as land-based sources of debris, EPA Region IV surveyed marinas
and small port facilities hi the Region to determine whether proper disposal facilities were provided in
Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The Agency is also
ensuring that coastal cities are including pollution prevention (debris) in their storm-water
management plants. The Region emphasized recycling and pollution prevention in all of the
approximately 50 storm-water seminars and workshops conducted by regional personnel. EPA and
the Texas GLO conducted surveys of Gulf of Mexico ports, terminal operators, waste management,
and recreational facility operators on the effectiveness of MARPOL Annex V and the implementation
costs.
EPA personnel have also worked with industry to control plastic debris. For example, representatives
from Playtex Industries meet periodically with EPA to discuss ways to minimize the presence of their
sanitary products hi the aquatic environment resulting from improper consumer disposal. A study of
pellet releases to the environment by pellet manufacturers, transporters, contract packagers, and
processors, was conducted with the cooperation of SPI in order to determine how and why pellets are
released into the environment. Recommendations to control the releases were developed, and SPI
initiated Operation Clean Sweep in 1991, which provides helpful tips on preventing pellet loss for
anyone who handles resin pellets, from producers and shippers to bulk storage operators and
processors. (Since 1991, more than 20,000 copies of materials have been distributed supporting this
educational program.) Extensive literature exists that documents ships, including military ships, as
ocean-based sources of debris. As part of the process to eliminate plastic debris discharges from its
ships, the Coast Guard takes advantage of the Navy's Plastics Removal hi the Marine Environment
(PRIME) Program to reduce the amounts of plastic taken aboard ships with provisions and stores.
The program works with suppliers to the Navy stock system to reduce the amount of plastic
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
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packaging on products produced for the Navy. Because of their purchasing power, the Navy has
been successful in persuading suppliers to reduce the amount of disposable materials associated with
the products. Coast Guard uses the same supply system to provision their ships, and also encourages
its operational units to selectively choose products through its small purchases that have reduced
plastic packaging.
In 1987, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) initiated a program to prohibit disposal of trash
from offshore oil and gas platforms. This program has been embraced by the oil and gas industry,
which has made significant strides in controlling the release of debris from oil and gas platforms
offshore. In May 1990, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the EPA, Coast
Guard, NFS, MMS and Padre Island National Seashore for removal of drums on Padre Island
National Seashore. MMS and Coast Guard contacted over 100 coastal jurisdictions in four states
responsible for Gulf front beaches (state agencies, county supervisors and judges, mayors, park
superintendents, wildlife conservation and management area managers).. MMS mailed a letter
describing its regulatory and inspection program relating to drum marking requirements to all coastal
jurisdictions shoreward of active offshore oil and gas operations in the Gulf.
MMS is also working with Louisiana's Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to develop a map of
recreational fishing resources near offshore oil and gas platforms. A Boaters Pledge form will be
included with the map, and those fishermen who make the pledge will be given a special price on
future editions of the map. Offshore oil and gas platforms have been proven to be sources of debris.
COM developed a comprehensive waste collection and disposal strategy in Portland, ME, to reduce
marine debris and aid the port in complying with MARPOL Annex V. This pilot project is to serve
as a model for other communities in the Gulf of Maine region that intend to design their own marine
debris programs. Additional programs are tentatively planned for Rockland, ME, Portsmouth, NH
and Massachusetts Bay/Stellwagen Bank, MA.
The Coast Guard and EPA act as liaisons to the National Research Council Marine Board Committee
on Shipborne Wastes, whose charter calls for an assessment of problems and recommendations for
actions of marine debris pollution caused by all ships' operations, including all fleets, ports and
terminals, and pertinent public and private institutions. The report is expected to be available by the
end of 1994.
Finally, EPA is sponsoring development of a statistically-valid method for monitoring the type,
quantity, and origin of debris. A meeting of Federal debris coordinators was held to: (1) determine
the influence of survey beach size, number of survey beaches, and frequency of surveys on the ability
to detect statistically significant trends in the deposition of aquatic debris; (2) design and implement
an integrated, multiagency program for monitoring marine aquatic debris from land-based and
offshore sources; (3) identify the aquatic debris items most suitable as indicators of changes in the
contributions of various land-based and offshore sources of aquatic debris. This National monitoring
program is expected to be in-place in 1994, and will be designed specifically to assess trends in debris
discharges from specific types of sources.
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Recommendation 4D: Work to reduce loss of fishing equipment, improve methods to recover
lost gear, and recycle used nets.
NOAA has sponsored research into methods for permanently marking fishing gear in order to identify
and track lost and discarded gear. The Agency also conducted feasibility studies on recycling used
trawl-fishing nets, and sponsored demonstration projects for controlling fishing-industry debris at
fishing ports and marinas along the coastal United States. In Portland, ME, COM arranged for a
program to recycle plastic fish totes used at the Portland Fish Exchange. EPA and the Coast Guard
jointly developed a decal, brochures, and slide show designed to explain MARPOL Annex V
regulations to shrimpers. Additional work is needed in investing new technologies and procedures to
minimize gear loss and maximize recovery and recycling.
Recommendation 4E: Develop standards and criteria for defining biodegradable and
photodegradable.
The development of general standards and criteria for defining biodegradable and photodegradable
has been limited compared to progress on other recommendations. NOAA has sponsored research on
using photodegradable resins in the aquatic environment, and EPA published a rule describing the
term biodegradable and setting standards of photodegradability for plastic ring carrier devices.
Recommendation 4F: Examine the behavior of degradable plastics in the environment.
In 1990, EPA published a Report to Congress entitled Methods to Manage and Control Plastic
Wastes, which, among other things, evaluated the use of degradable plastics as a method of
controlling debris in the aquatic environment. The next year, the Department of Defense funded a
consortium of public and private organizations to expedite the replacement of conventiorial plastics
with nontoxic, degradable materials made of 100% renewable agricultural-based materials. Also, the
Navy continues to work closely with the Army's Natick Research Laboratory on a $2 million research
study of biodegradable plastics. SPI has been included in Marine Debris Roundtable meetings during
which the viability of degradable-plastic alternatives are discussed.
Recommendation 5: Beach Cleanup
Because the Federal government owns coastal properties, the agencies responsible for managing those
properties are also responsible for removing debris from recreational areas and habitats for protected
species. When efforts by the managing agencies are coupled with the annual nationwide beach
cleanups, the efforts are an important method for monitoring and mitigating the effects of persistent
debris in the aquatic environment. Recommendation 5 encourages Federal agencies and their
employees to coordinate and participate in the annual beach cleanups and cleanups of Federal coastal
properties. The agencies have increasingly supported these efforts.
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Recommendation 5A: Remove debris from Federally-owned coastal lands.
Several Federal agencies have taken actions to remove debris from coastal properties. NFS sponsors
independent surveys of beaches under their jurisdiction. NOAA's Coastal Zone Management
Program initiated a program to assist coastal states in designing programs to reduce debris pollution,
and GOMP/EPA has established shore adoption programs in the five Gulf states. EPA Region II
awarded a grant to New York City Department of Environmental Protection for the purchase of a
skimmer vessel that will be used to remove debris from city waterways. Future needs include
implementation of the statistical design for debris sampling at National parks and seashores, to be in
place by the end of 1994, establishment of a system to ensure proper disposal of plastic wastes, and
continued support for cleanups at Federally-owned coastal properties.
Recommendation SB: Support local volunteer beach clean-ups.
Many local beach cleanup efforts have been sponsored by Federal agencies. EPA, NOAA, and
GOMP/EPA have sponsored the Adopt-A-Beach Program in which debris is monitored by'agency
staff and volunteers. Those agencies have also sponsored Citizen Pollution Patrols that identify major
sources of beached debris. These and other agencies sponsor the annual beach cleanups and the
development of annual reports summarizing the findings; a national database was established for
handling storing, and analyzing the cleanup data.
The scope of the annual beach cleanups has increased since the efforts began in 1987, when coastal
areas of three Gulf states were cleaned of debris. In 1992, the National effort involved nearly
133,000 volunteers along 4453 miles of coastline in 33 states; over 4.6 million items weighing a total
of nearly 2.8 million pounds were collected. In the same year, the international and national efforts
combined involved nearly 161,000 people along 5,134 miles of coastline in four continents and 33
countries and territories; the effort collected over 5.3 million items weighing a total of 3.6 million
pounds.
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APPENDIXA
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND
LIST OF ITF RECOMMENDATIONS
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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
APC American Plastics Council
APHIS Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
APPS Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships
ASTM American Society for Testing Materials
BMP best management practices
CAPE Children's Alliance for the Protection of the Environment
CCMP Comprehensive Coastal Monitoring Plan
CEMA cooperative efforts of multiple agencies
CEPPOL Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region
CMC Center for Marine Conservation
CNO Chief of Naval Operations
COTP Captain of the Port
CSO combined sewer overflow
CWA Clean Water Act
CZMA Coastal Zone Management Act
DLA Defense Logistics Agency
DMV Department of Motor Vehicles
DOA Department of Agriculture
DOD Department of Defense
DOI Department of the Interior
DOT Department of Transportation
EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone
EIS environmental impact statement
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
ESA Endangered Species Act
FCMA Fishery Conservation and Management Act
FCZ Fishery Conservation Zone
FDA Food and Drug Administration
FWPCA Federal Water Pollution Control Act
FWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
FY fiscal year
GBPME Global Investigation of Pollution in the Marine Environment
GLO General Land Office
GLWQA Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement
GOM Gulf of Maine Program
GOMC Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment
GOMP Gulf of Mexico Program
GSA Government Services Administration
IMO International Maritime Organization
INPFC International North Pacific Fisheries Commission
IOC Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
IOCARIBE Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Sub-Commission for the Caribbean and
Adjacent Regions
IOPS International Ocean Pollution Symposium
IRIS Incident Reporting Information System
ITF Interagency Task Force on Persistent Marine Debris
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix A List of Abbreviations and ITF Recommendations
A-l
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LDC
LISS
MARAD
MARPOL
MBTA
MDAP
MEPC
MERP
MMC
MMPA
MMS
MOU
MPPRCA
MPRSA
NAS
NATO
NBS
NEP
NEPA
NGO
NIST
NJDEPE
NMFS
NOAA
NOPPA
NPDES
NFS
NRG
NYCDEP
NYSDEC
OCPD
OCSLA
ODBA
OECS
OMB
OOC
OSV
OWOW
POTW
PRIME
PWP
RCRA
SCS
SPA
SPI
SWG
A-2
International Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping Wastes and
Other Matter (London Dumping Convention)
Long Island Sound Study
Maritime Administration
Protocol of 1978 Relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution
from Ships
Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Marine Debris Action Plan
Marine Environment Protection Committee of IMO
Marine Entanglement Research Program
Marine Mammal Commission
Marine Mammal Protection Act
Minerals Management Service
Memorandum of Understanding
Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act
National Academy of Sciences
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
National Bureau of Standards
National Estuary Program
National Environment Policy Act
non-governmental organization
National Institute of Standards and Technology
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy
National Marine Fisheries Service
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Ocean Pollution Planning Act
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
National Park Service
National Response Center
New York City Department of Environmental Protection
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Oceans and Coastal Protection Division
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act
Ocean Dumping Ban Act
Organization of Eastern Caribbean States
Office of Management and Budget
Offshore Operations Committee
Ocean Survey Vessel
Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
publicly owned treatment works
Plastics Removal in the Marine Environment Program (Navy)
plastics waste processor
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
United States Soil Conservation Service
Shore Protection Act
Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc.
Special Working Group
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix A List of Abbreviations and TTF Recommendations
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TSCA Toxic Substances Control Act
UNCED United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
UNEP United Nations Environmental Program
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization
USGS United States Geological Survey
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix A List of Abbreviations and IFF Recommendations
A-3
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LIST OF INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATION 1: Federal Leadership. Federal agencies should provide leadership and continue formal and informal
coordination of aquatic debris-related activities with international organizations, state and local governments, private industry,
and environmental groups. Federal agencies acknowledge that an effective aquatic debris program is possible only with strong
state and local involvement.
Recommendation 1A: Federal agencies should cease ocean disposal of plastic materials from all Federal vessels as
soon as possible.
Recommendation IB: Federal agencies should review their procurement and concession policies in coastal facilities
in order to reduce the amount of plastic packaging, containers, and other products that are improperly disposed and
become persistent aquatic debris.
Recommendation 1C: Federal agencies should continue to participate actively in international forums to reduce
persistent aquatic debris.
Recommendation ID: Federal agencies should encourage plastic waste recycling by: (a) providing separate
receptacles for different types of trash at coastal facilities; (b) purchasing and using recyclable products and materials
whenever possible; and (c) providing technical support for recycling to state and local agencies and industry.
Recommendation IE: NOAA should coordinate and disseminate information related to persistent aquatic debris.
NOAA should convene at least two meetings per year of appropriate Federal agencies to discuss each agency's
education, regulatory, and research programs, and to ensure that a continued, coordinated effort is made to maximize
the effect of existing Federal programs.
Recommendation IF: NOAA should continue to sponsor the informal Debris Roundtable.
Recommendation 1G: The Administration should support the NOAA/Marine Entanglement Research Program by .
including it in the Administration's FY 90 budget, and for at least five years thereafter.
Recommendation 1H: Persistent aquatic debris should be included as an element in the 5-Year Federal Plan for
Ocean Pollution Research, Development, and Monitoring.
RECOMMENDATION 2: Public Awareness/Education Programs. Concerned Federal agencies should work together and
with state and local governments, private industry, and environmental groups, to develop comprehensive educational materials
on problems caused by aquatic debris and solutions to those problems.
Recommendation 2A: Federal agencies should cooperatively support a major public awareness campaign by providing
seed money and encouraging funding by the private sector. , :
Recommendation 2B: The Coast Guard, Navy, and other Federal agencies should include materials relative to
persistent aquatic debris problems in all educational materials for employees and candidates for licenses, such as
competency licenses and certificates, fishing licenses and boating registrations.
Recommendation 2C: Federal agencies should use all appropriate media to explain aquatic debris-related problems
and encourage proper disposal methods. Federal agencies should support formation of an interagency information
exchange for educational materials.
Recommendation 2D: The Coast Guard should begin a public education campaign on the requirements of the
MPPRCA as soon as possible to ensure that owners and operators of all vessels, ports, and the boating public are
aware of requirements prior to their entering into force. .
A-4
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix A List of Abbreviations and ITF Recommendations
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LIST OF INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS {continued)
RECOMMENDATION 3: Vigorously Implement All Laws Related to Aquatic Debris. The DOT, EPA, NOAA, and Navy
should vigorously implement MPPRCA and other laws to reduce plastic pollution in the aquatic environment.
Recommendation 3 A: Each agency should make compliance with requirements of the MPPRC A a high priority.
Recommendation, 3B: The Coast Guard and other Federal enforcement agencies should make enforcement of
regulatory requirements of the MPPRCA a high priority.
Recommendation 3C: NOAA should encourage regional fishery management councils to include requirements that
fish and shellfish traps and pots have degradable panels or latches.
RECOMMENDATION 4: Research and Monitoring. Federal agencies should carry out research to (a) identify and quantify
deleterious effects of aquatic debris on fish and wildlife, coastal communities, and vessels; (b) determine land-based sources of
aquatic debris; and (c) assess potential uses for biodegradable products and the types and effects of byproducts.
Recommendation 4A: NOAA, FWS, MMC, and other agencies should expand research and monitoring activities -
to determine more precisely the impacts of persistent aquatic debris on fish and wildlife populations, particularly
endangered, threatened, and depleted species.
Recommendation 4B: Federal agencies should work with state and local governments, universities, merchant vessel
owners and operators, commercial and recreational fishermen, and local communities to quantify economic impacts
of persistent aquatic debris.
Recommendation 4C: EPA, NOAA, Coast Guard, and other agencies should conduct research to determine
(a) contributions of land-based and water-based debris sources to the overall debris problem, and (b) methods to
reduce plastic debris from all sources.
Recommendation 4D: NOAA should work with fishermen and equipment manufacturers to develop pragmatic ways
to (a) reduce the loss of fishing equipment, particularly traps, trawl nets, and gill nets, (b) improve ways to recover
lost fishing traps and nets, and (c) recycle used fishing nets and net fragments.
Recommendation 4E: MIST (formerly NBS) should work with the ASTM and other industry associations to develop
standards and criteria for what constitutes "biodegradable" and "photo-degradable."
Recommendation 4F: EPA, FDA, and NOAA should work with plastic manufacturers to examine how degradable
plastics react in the environment, including potential environmental effects as the plastic degrades.
RECOMMENDATION 5. Beach Clean-up and Monitoring. Federal agencies should work cooperatively among themselves,
as well as with state agencies, private industry, and environmental groups to remove debris from beaches and other parts of the
aquatic, environment. Federal agencies should encourage coordination with state and local authorities to conduct systematic
monitoring of aquatic debris accumulation and impacts to assess compliance with regulations prohibiting disposal of plastics and
controlling other solid waste discharges into U.S. waters.
Recommendation 5A: Federal agencies which manage coastal properties should step up actions to remove persistent
aquatic debris.
Recommendation SB: Federal agencies should support local volunteer beach clean-up efforts as well as the collection
and interpretation of data on what the volunteers remove. Federal managers should encourage employees to participate
in volunteer clean-ups.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix A List of Abbreviations and JTF Recommendations
A-5
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APPENDIX B
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
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REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Many international, Federal, State, and local authorities exist that address the release and presence of
man-made debris in the aquatic environment. These laws and international agreements address the debris
problem in several ways, including prohibiting the disposal of wastes from vessels, preventing harm to
endangered and threatened species, establishing environmental planning and policy, and minimizing the
production of wastes that could become persistent aquatic debris. There has been a wealth of legislation
introduced at the State and local levels to address solid-waste management and recycling. Because this
status document is intended primarily for use by Federal agencies, individual state laws are not described.
International Authorities
International Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other
Matter, London, 1972 [London Dumping Convention (LDC)J (26 UST 2403) Prohibits dumping
plastics and other persistent synthetic material into the oceans, which may float or remain in suspension
so as to materials interfering with uses of the ocean. Excludes wastes disposed during normal vessel
operations, which instead are regulated by MARPOL Annex V.
Protocol of 1978 Relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships,
1973/1978 (MARPOL) (17ILM546, 1978) Applies to ship-generated wastes. Annex V restricts the
at-sea disposal of garbage, and prohibits the at-sea disposal of plastic materials. Requires adequate port
waste-reception facilities. Entered into force in the United States on December 31, 1988. The Wider
Caribbean Region (Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, Straits of Florida, and the coastal lands of 25 nations
bordering these waters) was accepted for a: Special Area designation in July 1991. Once effective, this
designation will essentially prohibit ships from disposing any wastes except food wastes into these waters.
Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean
Region (1983) (Cartegena Convention) Obligates contracting parties to prevent, reduce, and control
pollution from ships, land-based sources, and seabed activities. Requires parties to protect unique and
fragile ecosystems and the habitats of endangered species, and engage in technical assistance programs,
information and data exchange, and regional cooperation during aquatic emergencies. Commits nations
to develop liability and compensation procedures for damage resulting from polluting events. The United
States, Cuba, and Mexico have ratified this convention.
Federal Authorities
Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) of 1972, as amended [Clean Water Act (CWA)] (33 USC
1251, 1262, 1311 et seq.) Establishes permitting and pollution control requirements for point source
[including publicly owned treatment works (POTW), combined sewer overflows (CSO), and storm drains]
for discharges into waters of the U.S. and the oceans. Establishes the NPDES permit program to control
such discharges.
Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972 (16 USC 1361 et seq.) Places a moratorium on the
taking and importing of aquatic mammals and aquatic mammal products from U.S. waters for any
purpose other than scientific research or public display. Establishes the Marine Mammal Commission
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix B Regulatory Framework
B-l
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(MMC), which recommends protection and conservation policies on marine mammals for Federal
agencies.
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), as amended (16 USC1531 et seq.) Intended to conserve
endangered and threatened species and protect the ecosystems in which they live. It calls for all necessary
measures to improve condition of species so they can be delisted, and to supoport international treaties
for the protection of wildlife and habitat. Among other things, it requires the listing of threatened and
endangered species, designation of critical habitat of listed species, development of recovery plans, and
provides for enforcement actions.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) (42 USC 6901 et seq.) Amends the Solid
Waste Disposal Act to better address the disposal of municipal and industrial wastes. Includes provisions
to regulate the disposal of hazardous wastes by establishing a "cradle to grave" program. The goals set
by RCRA are to: protect human health and the environment; reduce waste and conserve energy and
natural resources; and reduce or eliminate the generation of hazardous waste as expeditiously as possible.
Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS) of 1982 (33 USC 1901 et seq.) Regulates disposal of
wastes, including oil or other hazardous substances, generated during normal operation of vessels.
Implements MARPOL 73/78 legislation, and was amended in 1987 by MPPRCA to implement MARPOL
Annex V specifically,.
Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act (MPPRCA) of 1987 (PL 100-220) Implements
MARPOL Annex V by amending APPS. Calls for Federal agency Reports to Congress on methods to
reduce plastic pollution and effects of plastics on the aquatic environment. Requires Coast Guard
regulation of overboard disposal of plastics and other garbage under MARPOL Annex V. Calls for
Citizen Pollution Patrols (joint responsibility of NOAA, Coast Guard, and EPA) and public outreach and
citizen awards for reported violations. Requires adequate port waste-reception facilities, and vessels 26
ft. in length or greater to display placards, and vessels 40 ft. in length or greater to provide waste
management plans. Subtitle B requires EPA to study methods for reducing plastic pollution and requires
the Department of Commerce to determine the effects of plastics on the aquatic environment.
An Act to Study, Control, and Reduce the Pollution of Aquatic Environments from Plastic Materials
and For Other Purposes of 1987 (Degradable Plastic Ring Carrier Law) (Pub.L. 100-556) Directs
EPA to develop regulations that require plastic ring carriers to be made of degradable materials. Many
states have already enacted similar laws.
Driftnet Impact Monitoring, Assessment, and Control Act of 1987 (Pub.L. 100-220, Title IV)
Requires the study and creation of a driftnet marking, registry, and identification system. Directs the
Secretary of Commerce to collect information on the numbers of U.S. marine resources killed, retrieved,
discarded, or lost by foreign driftnet fishing vessels operating beyond the EEZ of any nation, to evaluate
alternative driftnet materials that hasten decomposition of the netting, and evaluate the feasibility of a
driftnet bounty system.
Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988 (Subtitle J of RCRA; 42 USC 6992 etseq.) Regulates generators
and handlers of wastes and requires standards for separating, labeling, packaging, and tracking of certain
types of medical wastes. EPA established a demonstration project in several states for the purpose of
tracking medical wastes from generation through disposal.
B-2
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix B Regulatory Framework
-------
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) of 1972 (Ocean Dumping Act), amended
in 1988 [Ocean Dumping Ban Act (ODBA)] (33 USC1401 et seq.) Prohibits the transport of material
for the purpose of ocean dumping unless authorized by permit. Implements the LDC. Prohibits the
ocean disposal of sewage sludge and industrial wastes, and ocean disposal of potentially infectious medical
wastes.
Shore Protection Act (SPA) of 1988 (PL 100-688, Sections 4001-4204) Establishes a permitting
scheme for vessels transporting municipal and commercial waste. Requires waste handlers to minimize
the release of municipal or commercial wastes during onloading or offloading to vessels, or during vessel
transport.
The U.S. Public Vessel Medical Waste Anti-Dumping Act of 1988 (PL 100-699 Sections 3101-3105)
Requires that all public vessels have a management plan for medical wastes on board ship and prohibits
the disposal of these wastes at sea except during national emergencies.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix B Regulatory Framework
B-3
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APPENDIX C
ACTIVITIES DESCRIBED IN DETAIL
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APPENDIX C
Recommendation 1 Federal Leadership
mGQMMฃfli&AT/QN It Federal Leadership
Federafagmciesshou/dprovMeieadersMpandeontmueformafand/nfomt
&f aquatic debris-related activities with /ftt&ttatiOAal organizations, state and tooal
governments, private Industry, andmvironmentatgroups. Federal agencies acknowledge
trtat arf efree&ve &&*$* ซ&**** program ft pessi&te only mth strong state and tocat
involvement.
y /*$* ....
Recommendation 1A; federal agencies should cease ocean disposal o fptastic mate fiats
front aซ Weraf v*&$#fe"a$ soon
Status of Programs
EPA
Distributed guidance on proper medical waste disposal to all EPA programs that operate boats
and ships, including the OSV Peter W. Anderson, in accordance with the U.S. Public Vessel
Medical Waste Anti-Dumping Act of 1988.
GOMP/EPA
OOC addressed the need to establish a "No Polystyrene" policy for the entire oil and gas
industry, and noted that 50% of the industry currently has such a policy.
NOAA
By direction, all NOAA ships are in compliance with the U.S. Public Vessel Medical Waste Anti-
Dumping Act of 1988 and with MPPRCA.
Coast Guard
Does not take advantage of the exemption for public vessels provided under MARPOL Annex
V and policy requires Coast Guard vessels to fully comply with the requirements. Working
groups to the Pollution Prevention Committee will formulate further Coast Guard policy
regarding generation, disposal, and recycling of Coast Guard-generated wastes.
Making plans to outfit ships with trash compactors that will reduce the space in which waste is
stored, making it convenient to store more waste. Coast Guard is currently installing medium-
sized, commercially available compactors on its vessels, and several cutters will be outfitted with
incinerators.
Continued to monitor progress of U.S. public-vessel compliance with MARPOL Annex V
requirements.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 1 Federal Leadership
C-l
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Navy
Requested in November 1988 that all commands make the extra effort necessary to ensure that
the Navy promotes a clean and safe environment. Fleet Commanders responded by instructing
their personnel to separate and store plastic waste onboard. Beginning in March 1989, all Navy
ships are to retain all plastic waste for shore disposal if the ship was at sea for less than three
days. If the ships are at sea for longer than three days, food-contaminated plastics waste must
be retained for the last three days at sea, and non-food-contaminated wastes must be retained for
at least 20 days.
Working to comply with MARPOL Annex V in two areas: supply system changes and equipment
installations aboard ships.
Near-term operational and supply system changes to reduce plastics discharges involve
source reduction, source separation, onboard storage, and educational efforts. These
changes have been largely completed by implementing the new Navy instructions on all
ships, and supply system changes to reduce the amount of plastics brought onboard ships
have already begun and will continue until all reasonable measures have been taken.
Longer-term equipment installations to eliminate plastics and all floating debris discharges
involve installing shipboard metal/glass shredders, solid waste pulpers, and plastics waste
processors (PWP). This equipment has been under development since the late 1970s.
(1) A more powerful version of a commercial food waste pulper was developed for
processing routine shipboard solid wastes; the pulper pulverizes mulchable materials,
such as paper and soft galley wastes, for direct overboard disposal when the ship is
beyond 3 nmi from shore. (2) A vertical trash compactor was specifically designed for
Navy ships. The compactor will be used to compact glass, metal, loose paper, and
cardboard, but not food waste (for sanitation reasons), and will produce 30- to 50-lb.
sinkable slugs from compactable solid waste. The compactor will enable managing
plastics waste onboard until the PWP becomes available. (3) An innovative shipboard
PWP was designed for compacting bulky plastic waste into easily stored, stackable slugs.
After plastics waste is separated from non-plastics waste and collected in large plastic
bags, the entire plastic bag (containing only plastic waste) would be placed in the PWP,
shredded, heated, and reduced to a small plastic brick that could be stored onboard safely
for later recycling or disposal ashore. By heat sterilizing the waste, the PWP will also
eliminate odor and sanitation problems associated with prolonged storage of food-
contaminated plastics waste.
Recommendation 1B: ffderatagefitiesshoutd review theirpri>etirem$nt and concession*
policies in coastal facilities in order to reduGe the amount of plastic packaglngT containers,
tic debris
Status of Programs
EPA
Conducted public outreach programs with the GSA and state procurement authorities.
^*"2 Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 1 Federal Leadership
-------
Established guidelines for the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Program as required by Section 6217
of the 1990 reauthorized Coastal Zone Management Act.
NOAA
Distributed a memorandum to all NOAA supervisors and managers from the Adrninistratpr urging
compliance with the MPPRCA in public and private life.
Working to comply with Executive Order No. 12780 (dated 31 October 1991) that requires
agencies to buy recycled products.
GOMP/EPA
Initiated education and outreach activities with GSA to persuade them to allow the purchase of
environmentally benign products regardless of "low bid" rules.
Coast Guard
Ships are instructed to store plastic waste on board until the waste can be disposed at a shore-
based reception facility. The Coast Guard is following the Navy program of reducing plastic
waste at sea by discarding some plastic packaging before leaving port.
Navy
DOI
Participating in the Navy procurement system and plans to purchase items from contractors that
have reduced plastics in their packaging.
Initiated a comprehensive program to reduce the volume of plastics material going aboard Navy
ships, to the extent practicable. The program addresses the three forms hi which plastic materials
plastic items, plastic packaging, and plastic packing material are taken onboard ships. The
focus is on providing the Fleet with substitute non-plastic items and packing/packaging material
for plastic materials .where acceptable alternatives exist or can be developed. Supply system
personnel have identified plastics items in ships' trash streams and are searching for potential
non-plastics substitutes. The initial effort focused on the plastic items most amenable to
immediate replacement (e.g., wet-strength paper bags for plastic trash bags, and new paper cups
to replace polystyrene cups); other items will be substituted once acceptable nonplastic substitutes
are developed. By February 1993, supply system personnel completed reviewing specifications
for 646,000 different supply items. The Navy continues to work with the DLA and the GSA to
make changes where practicable. The task is enormous; DLA manages 1.7 million items used
by the Navy, GSA manages 35,000 items, and other services manage 90,000 items. The Navy
continues to research the feasibility of using non-plastic packaging for high volume food items,
particularly milk bladders, and is working with the food packaging industry to encourage non-
plastic packaging.
Continued to reduce the amount of plastic overwrap and intermediate packaging by switching to
reusable containers as much as possible, while still providing ships with stable, unitized loads and
protected material.
Prohibited balloon releases in parks and seashores.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 1 Federal Leadership
C-3
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International forums to reduce persistent aquatic debris,
Status of Programs
GOMP/EPA
Developed objectives related to the Wider Caribbean Basin and produced educational materials
in other languages.
NOAA
Working with IOCARIBE concerning monitoring and abatement of aquatic plastic pollution in
the Wider Caribbean region. Also working with IOCARIBE/UNEP, the World Bank, and other
agencies hi developing the waste management infrastructure to enable the implementation of
MARPOL Annex V Special Area designation in the Wider Caribbean.
Improved guidelines for the provision of Annex V port reception facilities to be incorporated into
the IMO's comprehensive manual on port reception facilities. This activity is continuing with
completion expected hi 1994. Also worked with the IMO to develop guidelines for providing
adequate port reception facilities worldwide and within designated Special Areas and the Wider
Caribbean hi particular.
Worked with the International North Pacific Fisheries Commission in implementing and reporting
North Pacific aquatic debris surveys, implemented an aquatic debris education program directed
at communities of the North Pacific Islands, and supported the development of debris education
strategies for the Gulf of Mexico and Wider Caribbean.
Continuing to work closely with appropriate international, organizations to promote the ratification
of MARPOL Annex V and to educate government, industry, and the public about the aquatic
debris problem.
NMFS convenes a MERP planning meeting hi June each year, to review the status and results of
recent debris-related research, education and mitigation, and to identify priority tasks to be
carried out hi the coming years.
Developed a manual of standard methods for the survey of beach and floating aquatic debris for
submission to the IOC's Marine Pollution Monitoring Manual series.
Coast Guard
Sponsored and coordinated the April 1993 OECS MARPOL Annex V Enforcement Workshop,
under the auspices of the World Bank's OECS Waste Management Program.
Acting unilaterally through the IOC by providing $30,000 for a multi-year program to encourage
non-party nations hi the Wider Caribbean to adopt MARPOL Annex V and bring the Special
Area designation into affect, and to include the Gulf of Mexico in the Special Area designation.
C-4
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 1 Federal Leadership
-------
Navy
NFS
SPI
Will support another World Bank project entitled the Wider Caribbean Initiative on Ship
Generated Waste, which will be discussed at an IMO meeting in October 1993. The initiative
is aimed at establishing regional consensus on how states can act nationally and regionally to
establish adequate waste reception facilities. Coast Guard will support the regional coordinators'
efforts and provide technical assistance to the World Bank.
Incorporated MARPOL Annex V education into the agenda of the Coast Guard Port Safety
Training Teams. One team was sent to Panama, which has the worst record for MARPOL
Annex V violations, to provide port safety and environmental protection training that emphasized
compliance.
The Navy has been aggressive in encouraging international cooperation and participatino in
bilateral discussions. Within NATO, the Navy initiated the establishment of Special Working
Group 12 (SWG/12) on Maritime Environmental Protection. The 11 SWG/12 member nations
are harmonizing requirements and identifying opportunities for cooperation to save time and
money. SWG/12's charter includes exchanging information on plastic and other solid waste
management practices as an integral part of the maritime environmental protection discussions.
Where warranted, the Navy participates in bilateral maritime environmental protection exchange
agreements, and exchanges information with non-NATO navies via bilateral meetings.
Presented a poster on the NFS marine debris monitoring program at the 1991 Fourth World Parks
Congress in Caracas, Venezuela.
Distributed an education kit to the International Plastics Association Directors in 1988, and the
Operation Clean Sweep Manual in 1991.
MULTIPLE AGENCIES
Participated in several international forums.
Workshop on the Fate and Impact of Marine Debris in Honolulu, HI (1984). [NOAA
(Sea Grant, NMFS), FWS, MMC, North Pacific Fishry Management Council, Pacific
Fishery Management Council, Western Pacific Fishery Management Council]
Sixth IOC Scientific Committee Session on the Global Investigation of Pollution in the
Marine Environment (GIPME) (1986), and suggested the development of a procedures
manual for monitoring debris. GIPME agreed, and MMC recommended NOAA/MERP
contract for preparation of the manual. The manual was published in 1992 and is being
promoted for inclusion in GIPME's series of pollution manauls. (MMC, NOAA/MERP,
EPA)
Second International Conference on Marine Debris in Honolulu, Hawaii (1989). The
purpose of the conference was to review new information on aquatic debris problems and
to reexamine needed actions. (EPA, NOAA, Coast Guard, Navy, CMC, SPI, MMC,
NMFS)
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 1 Federal Leadership
C-5
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First International Ocean Pollution Symposium (IOPS) Special Session on Marine Debris
in the Caribbean in La Parguera, Puerto Rico (1991). (EPA, NOAA, Coast Guard, Sea
Grant, CMC, SPI)
CEPPOL meeting in Cartagena, Colombia (1991). (EPA, Coast Guard, NOAA, Sea
Grant, and CMC)
Second Caribbean Marine Debris Workshop in Merida, Mexico (1992). (EPA,
NOAA/MERP, Sea Grant, Coast Guard, MMC, CMC, Texas GLO)
MEPC working Group on Port Reception Facilities. (NOAA, Coast Guard)
Third International Conference on Marine Debris in Miami, PL (planned for May 1994).
(NOAA/MERP, EPA, MMC, Navy, Sea Grant, Coast Guard)
Encouraged strengthening MARPOL Annex V guidelines adopted by the Marine Environment
Protection Committee (MEPC) of the IMO, and currently assisting the MEPC in developing a
separate guidelines document on port reception facilities for various types of pollutants, including
marine debris. (MMC, Coast Guard, and NOAA) .
Raised the need for action regarding aquatic debris problems to the Commission for the
Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. (MMC, U.S. State Department)
Supported the IMO vote for Special Area designation of the Gulf and Wider Caribbean in 1987.
(EPA, Texas GLO, CMC, GOMP/EPA, Oceanic Society)
Supported training (April 1993) of Caribbean delegates in regard to implementing MARPOL
Annex V. (GOMP/EPA, Texas GLO, NOAA, World Bank, State Department)
Participate in the Gulf of Maine Program, which is an international program
(USA-Canada) concerned with maintaining and enhancing the marine environmental quality in
the Gulf of Maine (Cape Sable, Nova Scotia, to Cape Cod, MA). One objective of the program
is to reduce pollution by marine debris. MERP has pledged financial support to localized aquatic
debris efforts in the Gulf of Maine. (EPA, NOAA, COM)
Assisted GOM hi developing a strategy to reduce debris pollution in the Gulf of Maine. (NOAA,
EPA, GOM, COE, FWS, Environment Canada, Canada Department of Fisheries and Oceans)
Provided IOC/GDPME program with a recommended manual for monitoring marine debris;
manual is presently being printed in IOC series of marine pollution monitoring manuals (NSF,
NOAA/MERP, MMC, EPA)
Recommended that the agenda for Eight Session of GIPME Scientific Committee being planned
for fall 1993 include discussion of a regional intercalibration exercise in the Wider Caribbean to
test the marine debris manual's methodology (NSF, NOAA/MERP, MMC, EPA)
C-6
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 1 Federal Leadership
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Recommendation It): federal agencies should encourage plastic waste recycling by;
{a} providing separate receptacles for different types of trash at coastal facilities;
fly purchasing and using recyclable products and materials whenever possible; and
(Gf providing technical support for recycling to state and local agencies and industry.
Note: Executive Order No. 12780 (31 October 1991) requires agencies to buy and use recycled products.
Status of Programs
EPA
Awarded contracts to the NYSDEC and the NJDEPE to conduct demonstration recycling projects
at marinas, in New York and New Jersey.
NYSDEC ran their project MARPOL V at Marinas in five local marinas. All exhibits
offered visually effective displays carrying the message of proper waste disposal and
recycling. The Sheepshead Bay and City Island exhibits were aimed at the thousands of
people who pass through these busy areas. The exhibit described the effects of marine
debris and pointed out cleanup solutions. The Port Jefferson project became a permanent
exhibit that included recycling bins along the waterfront. The Mamaroneck Harbor
program involved school children, students and interested citizens in a 2-day workshop.
Bulletin boards, display booths and recycling bins were distributed. The group also
organized an annual one-day Harbor Sweep event, during which owners of vessels
volunteered to clean the harbor of debris. At the Oyster Bay marina area, harbor debris
was collected and displayed as the Catch of the Day.
NJDEPE utilized three marinas ranging in size, logistics, and amount of traffic. They
found that recycling programs at marinas were most successful when supported by a
strong public education effort: providing recycling bins is not enough to gain an
acceptable level of compliance. Educational exhibits were on display at each marina.
A marine debris/MARPOL brochure was given to every registered boater in New Jersey
through that State's Motor Vehicle Services. Dennis Conner, winner of the America's
Cup, and Chuck Norris, actor and boat racer, both lent their support by appearing in
public services announcements. NJDEPE developed a report outlining conclusions and
recommendations that can be utilized throughout the country.
GOMP/EPA
OOC established the Environmental Waste-Recycling Committee to address solid waste
management practices for the oil and.gas industry. The Waste-Recycling Committee completed
the investigation phase for developing an oil and gas aquatic debris baseline. The Committee met
with individual companies to discuss waste management practices.
Allocated funds for a program to .annually survey docks, marinas, and access areas in the Gulf
and establish an Awards Program to recognize proper, easy-to-use, and cost-effective trash
facilities. EPA Regions IV and VI and Texas and Louisiana Sea Grant staff are participating.
The project will provide information necessary for initiating an awards program to be
implemented by the GOMP/EPA Marine Debris Subcommittee.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 1 Federal Leadership
C-7
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Completed a telephone survey of state parks, national parks, and some local beach authorities was
completed in July 1992, and found (1) Gulf Islands National Seashore (Fort Pickens, PL) is part
of a Browning Ferris Industries pilot project to recycle aluminum cans, plastic, bottles, and glass;
(2) Davis Bayou Campground, MS, opened a recycling shed for campers in 1990; (3) Padre
Island National Seashore recycles glass, aluminum cans, and plastic containers; (4) Florida and
Texas state parks recycle some materials; and (5) transport of materials to be recycled on the
mainland has presented a problem for some island parks.
Recycled beach debris.
Alummum, glass, and plastic bottles collected during the 1991 Beach Clean-up in
Alabama.
The Texas GLO maintains a state beach cleaning fund and gives matching grants to
coastal counties, and placement of adequate trash receptacles on the beaches is funded by
these grants. During two statewide beach cleanups hi Texas, coastal counties encouraged
volunteers to recycle and used the fund, to provide receptacles. Volunteers were anxious
to recycle the debris, but problems resulted from a lack of recycling facilities near the
coast and instructions hi separating the trash for recycling. The Texas GLO is also
working with the recycling industry to develop a plan to handle debris at ports and
marinas, an effort that will require a significant amount of coordination and research to
provide cost effective services to everyone.
In Mississippi, recycling of beach debris has been encouraged by participants. As
funding becomes available, separated recycling containers will be provided in the future.
Unfortunately, materials from past recycling efforts have been disposed of in landfills,
which has resulted hi bad press for the current effort.
Initiated state litter laws.
The State of Mississippi passed the Marine Litter Act of 1988 and amended the Act in
1991. The law currently includes provisions as set forth in MARPOL Annex V.
Enforcement of the law is sporadic, probably due to inadequate knowledge of the law by
enforcement officials.
The Texas GLO is working to have (he Texas Legislature pass a law similar to the
Mississippi Marine Litter Act, and the Texas State Recycling Bill mandates recycling in
state agencies (i.e., state, county, and city governments, and school districts) and gives
preference to purchasing of recycled products.
NOAA
Initiated several studies that examine the possibility of recycling fishing nets. Small net recycling
programs are operating hi West Coast, Alaskan, and Gulf of Mexico ports. Demonstration
programs are being considered hi New England.
Sponsored and directed aquatic debris education and MPPRCA compliance programs for
fishermen hi all U.S. regions.
C-8
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 1 Federal Leadership
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Conducted numerous studies which examine the effects of MPPRCA regulations and solid waste
disposal problems within remote fishing ports.
Produced and distributed through the Marine Debris Information Offices educational materials
on plastic waste recycling programs for concerned citizens. The offices are operated by CMC
under contract to NOAA
Coast Guard
Conducting waste-reduction and recycling programs at shore-based units. Depending on
individual circumstances, units will sell their recyclable wastes or pay companies to recycle their
waste. State and local regulations may further direct programs at individual units.
Navy
Evaluated methods and program options for recycling plastics waste, in partnership with the SPI
Council for Solid Waste Solutions, with the hope of recycling plastic wastes .returning to shore
on ships rather than disposing the wastes in landfills. In 1990, a pilot study was conducted to
recycle plastics waste removed from an aircraft carrier and other ships. The plastics wastes were
washed, separated, and baled ashore, and subsequently transported to a commercial recycling
facility where it was made into plastic lumber for picnic tables, park benches, fence posts, and
pallets.
Conducting a plastic waste recycling demonstration project around the Norfolk, VA, Naval
complex. The Norfolk project integrates the recycling effort with a larger program to improve
solid waste management and disposal costs in the Norfolk area. If successful, the Navy will
encourage other Navy facilities to undertake similar programs. Results of the project are
pending.
NFS
Continued recycling programs in many coastal units of the National Park System.
CMC
Coordinated state and local cleanups that promoted recycling of debris and the use of recycled
goods.
SPI
Plastic resin producers hi the United States will have invested more than $1.2 billion through
1995 in the recycling and reclaiming of post-consumer and manufacturing plastic waste. In the
three years from 1990 to 1992, the industry spent $552 million on plastics recycling infrastructure
(excludes industrial scrap recycling or consumer education about recycling).
New automated sorting technologies are now hi full-scale commercial use by more than a dozen
plastic recyclers in the United States. These systems can sort the different types of plastic resins
and some can further sort by color without costly and often inaccurate manual labor. The
plastics industry is making investments to further develop and commercialize this technology for
widespread use.
APC developed the Recycled Products Guideฎ, a comprehensive guide for procurement officers
to the literally hundreds of products on the market today containing post-consumer recycled
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 1 Federal Leadership
C-9
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plastic, ranging from soft drink bottles to carpeting, construction materials to detergent bottles,
and office supplies to salad dressing bottles. In late April 1993, the APC published its Recycled
Plastics Products Source book and Database that lists more than 450 products that every
consumer, government, and corporation can and should be purchasing today. Demand remains
the key to building markets and increasing the amount of plastics that can be economically
recycled.
A 1992 study determined that 756 firms in the United States accept plastic wastes directly from
communities and/or individuals for sorting, baling and shipment to reclaimers, and an additional
97 plastics reclaimers and 156 additional companies handle and reclaim the materials.
Community, county, or state recycling coordinators can obtain lists of potential markets for their
collected plastics by calling 1-800-243-5790.
Many communities in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area collect plastic soft drink bottles and
other PET bottles, and milk, detergent, and other natural and pigmented HDPE plastic bottles.
Combined, these bottles account for 85% of all plastic bottles produced. The communities
employ both curbside and drop-off collection programs.
- " ,< "vMSWtbiSS ,. /&*, ซ ~."~ .' ซ
Recommendation 1E; NOAA should coordinate a^ disseminate information related t
-------
Recommendation 1F; NOAA
ftoundtabfe? ' ,
continue to sponsor the informal Aquatic &ebri$
Status of Programs
Multiple Agencies
Convened annual Marine Debris Roundtables with rotating chairperson, 1986-1990. The
Roundtables consist of Federal and private industry representatives who meet to discuss ways to
become more effective in mitigating the persistent debris problem. The last meeting was held
in the spring of 1991. (EPA, NOAA, Coast Guard, CMC).
Recommendation 1G: The Administration should support the NO A A/Marine Entanglement
Research Program by including ft in the Administration's FY9Q budget, and for at least
five years thereafter.
Status of Programs
NOAA "
' MERP is funded annualy at decreasing levels. The agency's budget for FY 85 was $1,000,000.
The FY 93 budget totaled $605,900. With decreasing budgets, closer coordination between
Federal agencies during marine debris activities will become more and more essential.
MMC
Continued to participate on the ad hoc MERP steering group and provides detailed comments on
each year's proposed programs.
' ../* >< , , , ,,,,,,,,
Recommendation 1H; Persistent aquatic debris shouto'be included as an etemeni in the
5-year Federal flan for Ocean Pollution Research, Development,, and Monitoring.
Status of Programs
NOAA
A Federal Plan is no longer being produced.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 1 Federal Leadership
C-ll
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Recommendation 2: Public Awareness/Education Program
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APPENDIX C
Recommendation 2 Public Awareness/Education Programs
flEC&MMEfl/0A7JQN 2; Public Awareness/Education Programs
.,..'' ป > f y-
Concerned Federal agencies should work together, and with state and local governmentsf
private industry, and environmental groups, to devetop comprehensive educational
materials on problems caused by aquatic debris and solutions to those problems.
Recommendation 2A; federal agencies should cooperatively support a major public
awareness campaign by providing seed money and encouraging funding by the private
sector*
Status of Programs
EPA
Awarded NYSDEC a $50,000 grant to conduct a pilot demonstration project modeled off New
Jersey's very successful Operation Clean Shores program. The project is scheduled to begin in
the spring of 1993. If successful, NYSDEC will petition the state legislature for annual funding.
Requested assistance from SPI in educating the plastics industry as the primary source of plastic
pellets in U.S. harbors and other areas of the marine environment.
Funded a floatable debris fact sheet written by the Connecticut Sea Grant Program for the Long
Island Sound Study.
Through the Casco Bay NEP, funded publication of a brochure and production and distribution
of litter bags for use by fishermen in Portland, ME.
Developed and led a major anti-litter campaign called Clean Streets/Clean Beaches that was
designed to inform the public about the link between street and beach litter. The campaign
kicked-off in April 1992 and will be an ongoing effort in Region H. The Region has encouraged
other groups to develop spin-off programs utilizing the Clean Streets/Clean Beaches theme. To
date the following campaigns have been started hi this manner:
Clean Roads/Clean Reefs Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service
Clean Streets/Clean Waterways Formed by 4 northern New Jersey counties.
Clean Streets/Clean Streams Union County, New Jersey.
Team Up To Clean Up New York City (focus in 1993 was Clean Streets/Clean Beaches)
Endorsed a proposed study for reduction of beach debris through public education submitted by the
Waste Management Institute (WMI) at State University of New York Stony Brook, the objective
of which is to decrease the amounts of floatables and beach debris through the development of
C-12
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 2 Public Awareness/Education Programs
-------
educational programs. The WMI received an EPA Pollution Prevention Grant for the study in 1991
Part of the work involves developing of a poster, which compliments EPA's Clean Streets/Clean
Beaches poster. The WMI will also update a floatables video, and suggest improvements to current
home disposal of syringes.
- Awarded NYCDEP a $20,000 grant for an anti-litter campaign to increase the public's understanding
of the relationship between litter scattered on city streets and litter washed onto beaches.
Coast Guard
Sponsoring publication of the Officer Snook Coloring Book that provides grade school children with
information and games on marine pollution and suggests ways they can fight pollution. (Headquarters
and the 7th District) H
GOMP/EPA
- Initiated the Take Pride Gulf Wide education campaign. Developed a fact sheet with general
information and figures about aquatic debris in the Gulf, a marine debris brochure, two information
videos, and a bibliography of publications and projects related to aquatic debris issues in the Gulf
region.
NOAA
Sea Grant Programs produced public information documents and public service announcements related
to aquatic debris. Texas Sea Grant recently completed an educational video entitled Don 'tMess with
Texas Beaches.
Administers the National Marine Debris Information Office network, and the Federal assistance for
the National Coastal Cleanup Program and the Wider Caribbean Marine Debris Education Strategy
Development. The debris information offices produce and disseminate information on persistent
aquatic debris to the general public and 19 specific audiences. The offices are operated bv CMC
under contract to NOAA.
Continued to circulate Sea Grant newsletters to several hundred thousand readers, which often
features issues dedicated to aquatic debris topics.
Initiated a nationwide urban, nonpoint-source pollution education program that is available to all
citizens, and expanded U.S. aquatic debris education programs targeting those nations whose debris
affects United States waters. CMC is assisting NOAA in the conduct of these programs.
NFS
Sponsored interpretive programs on aquatic debris in various coastal units of the National Park
System. The programs included guided walks, ranger talks, exhibits, and the distribution of
information on aquatic debris and the proper management of solid wastes.
COM
Provided seed money to initiate local public awareness and other efforts in Portland, ME, Rockland,
ME, and Portsmouth, NH. Products include brochures, litter bags (imprinted message), stickers and
signs placed on wharves.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 2 Public Awareness/Education Programs
C-13
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- Encouraged private support resulting in approximately $10,000 in contributions (cash and in-kind)
to the Portland Harbor Marine Debris Council.
SPI
Funded CMC attendance at trade shows, conferences, and seminars to disseminate information to
aquatic user groups.
Multiple Agencies
Initiated a 1989 campaign to educate major resin pellet producers and processors about the hazards
of pellets to wildlife, developed recommendations to control release of plastic pellets based on the
findings of an EPA study. In 1991, initiated a second educational campaign, entitled Operation Clean
Sweep, aimed at eliminating pellet discharges by the entire plastics industry and its affiliates. (EPA,
NOAA, CMC, SPI)
Translated an assortment of marine debris education materials into Spanish. (NOAA, CMC)
Supported an aquatic debris awareness campaign directed at recreational boaters. (NOAA, EPA,
Coast Guard, CMC, SPI)
Developed and disseminated educational materials for aquatic user groups, including (1) five public
service announcements and accompanying brochures for commercial fishermen, merchant shippers,
recreational fishermen and boaters, and the plastics industry, (2) the pamphlet A Citizen's Guide to
Plastics in the Ocean, and (3) posters, begun in 1986. (NOAA, CMC, SPI)
Recommendation 2ft? flte mm. Umf and other federal agencies should mvtode
materials relative to persistent aquatic debris problems in all educational materials for
employees and candidates for licenses.
Status of Programs
Coast Guard
Prepared consumer education bulletins that discuss garbage disposal restrictions.
Published and distributed information on marine debris to all Gulf Coast Squadrons, and provided
policy guidance on MARPOL Annex V enforcement to trained personnel from 16 field units and
district offices in the 7th, llth, and 13th districts. The Coast Guard also plans to develop internal
educational materials to educate Marine Environmental Protection Division personnel in regard to
requirements and enforcement activities.
Establishing internal outreach programs targeted at Marine Safety personnel, group and station
personnel, and Coast Guard Reserves augmenting these missions. These programs will allow Coast
Guard personnel to identify local environmental issues and empower them to act on those issues.
Educational materials will cover MARPOL implementation and provide a perspective on
environmental issues that directly pertain to regular duties.
C-14
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 2 Public Awareness/Education Programs
-------
Navy
Developed an education strategy that focuses on motivating the entire shipboard chain of command,
from ships' officers to ships' crews, by providing justification for and useful information about the
new requirements. Using experiences gained during shipboard demonstration projects, the Navy
designed an educational package to send to personnel on all Navy ships. The first educational
package was sent to all ships in 1988, and was so well received by officers and enlisted personnel
that, in 1991, the Navy sent all ships an updated package with a revised ships' guide and a new
videotape.
GOMP/EPA
Conducted the Boater's Pledge Program in the Gulf of Mexico and included information on marine
debris in mailings of boaters' registration and fishing licenses in two Alabama counties. By
December 1992, over 10,000 boaters had signed the pledge.
Provided marine debris information to those persons purchasing commercial fishing licenses or
renewing boat registrations in coastal counties of Mississippi. Beginning in October 1992, boat
registration and possibly fishing licenses statewide will contain debris information.
NOAA
Promulgated operational directives for NOAA vessels to operate under all MPPRCA requirements.
Continued to maintain a mailing list and send new, relevant information on aquatic debris issues to
scientists, policymakers, and interested citizens.
New Jersey Sea Grant worked with the New Jersey DMV, which licenses boats, to include an insert
in boater registration packets explaining MARPOL Annex V and directing information inquiries to
New Jersey Sea Grant. Through this program and other local programs, approximately 10,000
MARPOL Annex V placards have been distributed.
Multiple Agencies
The Coast Guard Auxiliary has published information on marine debris and is distributing it to all
Gulf Coast Squadrons. Eighty video tapes on GOMP/EPA have been distributed to Coast Guard
Auxiliary and fishing vessels coordinators to include in their training programs and other
presentations. Also, the Texas State Boaters' and Fishermen's Pledge Campaign will incorporate this
debris and safety information. (Coast Guard, GOMP/EPA)
Sponsored a boater awareness program through the production and dissemination of aquatic debris
education brochures and placards. Also developed and distributed an Environmental Handbook for
Mariners that describes how boaters can comply with Federal regulations governing discharge of
sewage, litter, and other pollutants from vessels. (EPA, NOAA, Coast Guard CMC, New England
Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission, Coalition for Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts Bay
Program, and Sea Grant Program of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute)
Developed and disseminated educational materials for aquatic user groups, including public service
announcements and accompanying brochures for commercial fishermen, merchant shippers,
recreational fishermen and boaters, and the plastics industry, as well as brochures (i.e., A Citizen's
Guide to Plastics in the Ocean) and posters. Also developed the Stow It Don't Throw It program
for recreational fishing tournaments. (NOAA, CMC, SPI)
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 2 Public Awareness/Education Programs
CMS
-------
2C; Federal #00ttei0$ ซ#ซ>ซ#/ me *!t appropriate media to
aquatic ftebrts~retated problems andeneimfage proper wa&te*dtsposafmethods. Federal
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, educational materials*
Status of Programs
EPA
Developed a school curriculum and poster (in English and Spanish) that addresses the sources and
effects of aquatic debris and relevant pollution prevention techniques.
Compiled a bibliography on aquatic debris (located at EPA Headquarters) that will be useful to the
general public who wish to learn more about the problem.
Participated in a Long Island Sound Study workgroup that developed a plan describing sources of
debris, problems, and recommendations.
Produced a video summarizing on-site investigations of floatables accumulation hi the New York/New
Jersey Harbor complex and identifying the most heavily impacted shorelines.
Awarded two Clean Streets/Clean Beaches grants. The first grant was for $35,000 (with 100%
matching funds) to NJDEPE to produce educational material. The materials include a teachers guide,
educational booklets for children and videos; the video was ready for distribution in the spring of
1993^ The material will be designed to have a regional emphasis (not just New Jersey). The
materials will be produced in English and Spanish versions. The second grant was for $5,000 to New
York Sea Grant to develop and distribute storm drain stencils throughout New York City, the City's
drinking-water watershed, Long Island, and the Great Lakes coastal area. Over 15,000 Clean
Streets/Clean Beaches posters were distributed.
Distributed educational packets on aquatic debris in response to requests for information and spoke
to school groups about the role of aquatic debris hi coastal protection.
Conducted a study hi 1991 and 1992 to characterize typical waste found in ports.and marinas, current
waste-handling practices, and strategies to encourage proper waste-handling* practices at boating
facilities. Results of the study are summarized in the document entitled Waste-Handling at
Recreational Boating Facilities, which will be distributed to marinas throughout the region.
Distributed signs featuring the Popeye cartoon character and a message about proper shipboard waste
practices at every public access point in Puget Sound.
Incorporated aquatic debris education projects into the New England Boat Sewage Management
Initiative of the Near Coastal Waters Program. Activities included distribution of educational material
and MARPOL Annex V stickers, provision of technical assistance to States interested hi passing
aquatic litter legislation, and research on the possibly conducting a demonstration project hi a selected
New England harbor.
C-16
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 2 Public Awareness/Education Programs
-------
Developed its first management plan for the Massachusetts Bay Program and included aesthetic
environmental quality and debris in issue papers that were prepared. Aquatic debris was addressed
in the issue paper. Based on analysis of the debris problem in Massachusetts, trash from beachgoers
appeared to be the most significant source, and the program explored undertaking a possible public
education program about this problem.
The San Francisco National Estuary Project developed a citizen's guide to pollutiqn prevention that
focuses on non-point source issues, including the introduction of litter into the estuary through storm
drains. The project targeted neighborhoods within the estuary for a storm sewer labeling program.
Households in these neighborhoods received accompanying literature.
GOMP/EPA
Developed a Communication Plan that addresses the aquatic debris issue, outlines target audiences,
and identifies messages to be conveyed.
Conducted an aquatic debris information survey to review all current educational and informational
materials on aquatic debris hi the Gulf of Mexico hi order to identify information gaps, avoid
duplication of effort, and give direction to the GOMP/EPA efforts. (Marine Debris Subcommittee)
Aided CAPE hi developing the CAPE Program Guide that includes information for youth in regard
to environmental issues. (Public Education and Outreach Subcommittee)
Produced a public service announcement featuring a dolphin that lives in the Gulf of Mexico, an 18-
min long video entitled Marine Debris: An Action Plan for a Clean Gulf of Mexico, and the MDAP.
Created a manual entitled How to Start and Run an Adopt-A-Beach Program manual that is to be
translated into Spanish.
Established an Office of Environmental Education, and Environmental Education and Recycling
- Awareness Curriculum, and an Environmental Education Advisory Council in Florida.
Passed legislation to establish environmental offices in the State education agency in Texas.
NOAA
Presented marine debris education messages through NOAA Sea-N-Air radio programs.
Gave hundreds of media interviews and sponsored many technical papers on the impact and mitigation
of plastic aquatic debris. (MERP)
Produced Trashing the Oceans, an international award winning film on plastic aquatic debris.
Designed and established the multiagency Marine Debris Information Offices.
Coast Guard
Developed a toll-free marine pollution reporting system and guidance for reporting.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 2 Public Awareness/Education Programs
C-17
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NPS
Provided information on the issue of aquatic debris and proper disposal of shipboard wastes to
"" visitors and presented the aquatic debris issue in schools and to public groups in the vicinity of coastal
units of the National Park System.
MMC
T- Continued to respond to numerous requests for information each year from the public.
Continued to submit and distribute Annual Reports to Congress that include chapters on aquatic debris
and relevant actions by MMC and other domestic and international agencies.
CMC
Translated A Citizen's Guide to Plastics in the Ocean into Spanish.
Developed and distributed The Gulf of Mexico: A Special Place, an activity book for teachers and
elementary school children.
Conducted a national public education campaign using the cartoon character Popeye, including a 30-
second television public service announcement and a toll-free (1-800) telephone number.
The California Marine Debris Steering Committee, in coordination with the CMC, revised
California's Adopt-A-Beach curriculum to include more aquatic debris activities, and expanded the
curriculum to cover all grades (K through 12). The curriculum, entitled Save Our Shores, will be
introduced statewide.
Multiple Agencies
Provided funding for public service announcements on aquatic debris. (EPA, CMC, NOAA, SPI)
Developed the Stow It Don't Throve It program for recreational fishing tournaments and attended trade
shows, conferences, and seminars to disseminate information to aquatic user groups. (NOAA, CMC,
SPI)
Continued to oversee a project that prints stencils on the street adjacent to storm drains. The stencils
carry the message not to pollute and explain where the storm water discharges (e.g., Don't Pollute
Drains to LI Sound). The stencils are painted by County, Town and Village Departments of
Public Works, New York State Department of Transportation, and volunteer organizations (e.g., Boy
Scout troops). (New York Sea Grant Extension Program and New York State Water Commission)
Developed and disseminated educational materials for aquatic user groups, including five public
service announcements and accompany ing brochures for commercial fishermen, merchant shippers,
recreational fishermen and boaters, and the plastics industry. (NOAA, SPI, CMC)
Conducted demonstration projects for public monitoring and awareness of debris generated by storm
sewers and CSOs. (CMC, EPA)
C-18
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 2 Public Awareness/Education Programs
-------
requirements of the MPPftCA as soon as possible to assure that owners^ and operators
of aff vesse/s, ports, and the poatfnff public are aware of reguireraents prfor t& th&if'
entering into farce* -/' " :
Note: Newly proposed amendments to MPPRCA will require passenger briefings on JWARPOL Annex V
requirements.
Status of Programs
Coast Guard
Required vessels to carry informational placards and waste-disposal plans.
Preparing Comprehensive Manual on Port Reception Facilities for adoption at MEPC 35 (March
1994).
Developed and distributed the Pollution Discharge Restrictions Wheel, a user-friendly device designed
to educate mariners on marine environmental regulations and MARPOL restrictions. Coast Guard
produced 25,000 copies in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese, and is planing to produce copies in
Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian.
Dedicated MARPOL coordinators at all Coast Guard COTP and Marine Safety Offices to carry out
MARPOL-related activities.
In July 1993, the Commandant hosted a one-day meeting with 13 national and regional environmental
groups to open and promote dialogue between the Coast Guard and this community. The meeting
focused on pollution prevention, preparedness and response, fisheries law enforcement, waterways
management, and internal compliance.
Hosting quarterly meetings between industry, government, and NGOs to coordinate MARPOL
enforcement efforts and outreach programs.
Planning to produce a 15-minute educational video for waterway users, including Coast Guard
personnel, on the Coast Guard role hi achieving compliance with MARPOL and CWA requirements.
Planning to produce a harbor patrol checklist operated through an interactive computer program that
will lead Coast Guard users through a series of questions to assess risks and resource sensitivity and
recommend deployments to maximize patrol effectiveness.
Implementing a pilot program aimed at recreational boaters, commercial fishermen, and marinas
through the Auxiliary Boating Safety Course, the Courtesy Motorboat Examination, the Marine
Dealer Visits, Regatta Patrols, and Voluntary Fishing Vessel Inspection Programs.
NOAA
Produced a Marine Debris Fact Sheet Series aimed at recreational boaters, marinas, etc. (Washington
Sea Grant)
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 2 Public Awareness/Education Programs
C-19
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New Jersey Sea Grant conducted surveys at boat shows to determine awareness of MARPOL Annex
V they found low awareness and to distribute information packets. They also recruited for the
Citizen Pollution Patrol.
EPA
Funded a Citizens Pollution Patrol pilot project hi Maryland and New Jersey to involve citizens
principally recreational boaters in reporting violations to the MPPRCA and MARPOL Annex V.
This program was conducted with assistance from CMC.
Acquired free booth space at the New York National Boat Show in January 1993. The display,
consisting of enlarged photographs and videos, targeted marine debris issues and how they related
to recreational boaters. Thousands of pamphlets were distributed during the 10-day event. The
Region's marine debris booth will now be an annual public outreach event. We encourage other EPA
regions to contact boat shows in their area to do the same.
GOMP/EPA
Sponsored a pilot program to educate recreational boaters and fishermen about aquatic debris
pollution and proper disposal of trash.
CMC
Developed MARPOL stickers hi Spanish and Vietnamese. Conducted pilot programs in Alabama,
Florida, and Virginia.
Conducted a pilot workshop in Santa Monica Bay for boaters to educate them on their impacts on the
Bay environment.
Multiple Agencies
Implementing pilot programs targeted at commercial fishing vessels, marina operators, and
recreational boaters that are designed to improve compliance to MARPOL Annexes, I and V and
sewage regulations. Two outreach pilot programs will be implemented: one in New England/New
York/New Jersey, and the Atlantic Coast of Florida, and the other in the Gulf of Mexico.
Environmental outreach and education materials will be provided by several government agencies.
(Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary and Reserves, Texas and New Jersey Sea Grant, GOMP/EPA,
NOAA, FWS, Texas GLO, CMC)
Producing guidelines for shipping agents, port operators, and waste haulers on compliance with
waste-reception facility requirements under MARPOL Annexes I and V, and for deep-draft vessels
to develop shipboard waste niinimization programs. (Coast Guard, EPA)
Sponsored education to recreational boaters about proper waste disposal, and developed boater
education programs through the distribution of brochures and placards by Coast Guard Auxiliary
members. (NOAA, Coast Guard, EpA, CMC, SPI)
Produced and distributed a model plastics refuse control and minimization plan for ships. (Coast
Guard, NOAA)
C-20
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 2 Public Awareness/Education Programs
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Prepared guidelines for implementing MAJRPOL Annex V that were subsequently adopted and
published by IMO. Also prepared draft guidelines for the adequate port reception facilities provision
of MARPOL Annex V, which are being considered by MO, and distributed MARPOL informational
stickers. (NOAA, EPA, Coast Guard, CMC)
Developing a short how-to manual for Coast Guard boat coxswains at shore stations. (Coast Guard,
Texas GLO)
Working to educate the public about citizen reporting of illegal trash dumping (GOMP/EPA, Coast
Guard, Texas GLO, CMC)
Stains of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 2 Public Awareness/Education Programs
C-21
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Recommendation 3: Vigorously Implement All Laws
-------
-------
APPENDIX C
Recommendation 3 Vigorously Implement All Laws
RECQMMENDA TJQff & \ffffofousty Implement All Laws Related to Aquatic Debris.
The DGfff EPA, NOAA mad US^shovMv^omusilyimplememtlteMI^KCA and other taws
to reduce plastic pollution in the aquatic environment.
Recommendation 3A; Each agency shoutd make compliance with requirements of the
a Mgh priority* . ' "
Status of Programs
Coast Guard
Anticipates proposed amendments to the MPPRCA during the 1993 legislative session. The Coast
Guard attempted to issue regulations requiring certain U.S. vessels (manned, ocean-going, engaged
in commerce) to maintain records of refuse discharge as required under MPPRCA. The first attempt
was denied by OMB in 1989, but the second attempt was approved in May 1993, and publication of
the final rule in the Federal Register is expected by the end of 1993. Where the existing regulation
includes vessels 79 feet or more length, the revised regulation will expand to include vessels 40 feet
or more in length, thereby allowing Coast Guard to monitor disposal practices of many small
commercial fishing vessels.
*
Enlisted the assistance of APHIS inspectors in the identification of merchant vessels that are illegally
discharging garbage.
Acquired 100 billets for MARPOL enforcement activities.
Promulgated regulations for implementing MARPOL Annex V.
EPA
Policy is that no trash will be discarded from EPA vessels.
Developed the Floatables Action Plan as part of a multiagency effort to design a New York Bight
Restoration Plan, and developed an action plan detailing a strategy for addressing floatable debris in
Region n.
-- Formed a floatables workgroup as part of LISS in 1989. Assessed the extent of the debris problem
through helicopter and field studies, and continues to support workgroup efforts to develop
management options to remedy the problem. The floatables workgroup completed the floatables
module of the draft CCMP for the LISS in December 1992. The module characterizes the floatables
problem in Long Island Sound and recommends source reductions. In addition, the floatables
workgroup of the NY/NJ Harbor Estuary Program has begun work on a floatables module for the
C-22
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 3 Vigorously Implement All Laws
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Harbor and Bight CCMP. This document will update the Comprehensive Plan for Addressing
Floatable Debris hi New York Bight developed in 1991.
Developed the 1990 Report to Congress Methods to Manage and Control Plastic Wastes that
identified plastic articles of concern, evaluated the use of degradable plastics, and examined methods
for controlling debris sources.
Headquarters sponsored a demonstration/educational program in Region II that involves conscientious
boaters who report the registration number of boaters observed dumping trash overboard (boaters in
violation of MPPRCA). Prepared information packages were mailed to the offenders. The project
was carried out by the New Jersey Sea Grant College Program Marine Sciences Consortium.
NOAA
Worked with foreign, national, and regional representatives to identify solutions to reducing the
amount of plastic waste entering the aquatic environment.
The NOAA Undersecretary directed all NOAA ships, personnel, and charter vessels to comply with
MPPRCA, and directed all NOAA supervisors and managers to comply with MPPRCA regulations
during all NOAA actions. Personnel were also encouraged to follow the regulations while off duty.
Developed a model plastics refuse control and minimization plan for ships.
Prepared a Report to Congress describing the effects of debris on living aquatic resources.
Entanglement in and ingestion of aquatic debris is widespread among all aquatic life. The impacts
range from negligible to catastrophic, depending on form and species.
Under the auspices of NOAA, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
conducted a survey in 1989 to determine the number of states having laws prohibiting the discharge
of boat waste as described in MARPOL Annex V. Thirty-seven states responded that they have such
laws in place. NOAA also monitored coastal state actions to comply with the MPPRCA and shared
this information with other coastal state organizations.
Navy
From the highest levels hi the Navy down to the deckplate sailor, the Navy took extraordinary
measures to immediately reduce and eventually eliminate plastic waste-discharges from its ships. The
Navy prepared comprehensive program plans prior to passage of MPPRCA and issued new guidance
and instructions on plastics waste management in 1989. Navy sailors are now separating the plastic
from the non-plastic waste at sea and storing plastics waste onboard until it is offloaded in port for
recycling or other proper disposal. The Navy is reducing the amount of plastics taken onboard and
developing new equipment for managing plastics taken onboard ships.
Under MPPRCA, the Navy must comply with the plastics discharge prohibition by 1994. The Act
also required the Navy to report to Congress on any technical and operational impediments to
achieving compliance. Navy has made the development and installation of suitable shipboard solid
waste processing equipment a top priority. A Navy laboratory is developing four new pieces of
equipment for ships: metal/glass shredder, two pulpers, and plastics processor.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 3 Vigorously Implement All Laws
C-23
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Multiple Agencies
Working to implement the requirements of MARPOL Annex V. The agencies continue to participate
at meetings of the MEPC (delegation headed by Coast Guard), and participated on the MEPC
workgroup drafting MARPOL Annex V guidelines. They also worked for the designation of the
Wider Caribbean as a Special Area under Annex V of MARPOL. (EPA, Coast Guard, NOAA,
MARAD)
Worked with the Marine Board of the National Research Council to evaluate issues, problems, and
status of MARPOL Annex V implementation efforts. (EPA, NOAA, Coast Guard, MARAD, Navy,
MMC)
Testified at several Congressional oversight hearings on MARPOL compliance. (EPA, NOAA, Coast
Guard, Navy, MMC, CMC)
^.^S f s /
Recommendation 3& The Coast Guard and other federal enforcement agencies should
mafa enforcement of regulatory requirements of the MPPRCA a high priority.
, ~ r ^ ~j^fff . _j . - " f ft
Status of Programs
Coast Guard . .
Completed survey of U.S. port facilities, and concluded that reception facilities are available and
adequate at all major ports visited, but the services are often expensive and infrequently used. Also
reviewing the Certificate of Adequacy program for port reception facilities.
Conveyed the United States' dissatisfaction with flag state enforcement and the lack of responses from
flag States about whether action was being taken to a meeting of MEPC 33 in October 1992. In July
of that year, the Coast Guard began taking enforcement action under U.S. law, including referral to
the Department of Justice of all suspected MARPOL Annex V violations by foreign-flagged vessels
operating in the U.S. EEZ. (The previous policy had been to forward cases involving vessels of
signatory nations to the flag state administrations for investigation and enforcement action). Since
the meeting of MEPC 33, the response rate from flag States has improved, and the Coast Guard has
generated 22 cases under the new policy. By March 1993, 10 cases has reached the hearing officer,
., five of which resulted in penalties totaling $45,000.
By April 15, 1993, the Coast Guard had forwarded 235 Annex V violation cases for flag State
enforcement'. In the 87 responses, few reported taking penalty action against the vessel, most
responses only acknowledged receipt of the cases, and many others reported insufficient evidence
and dismissed the case.
; Liberia has assessed penalties in six cases forwarded by the United States, with 10 other cases
under investigation.
The Coast Guard is currently investigating a report from Japan regarding a U.S. tanker that
allegedly discharged oil in Japanese waters. Conversely, the Japanese have expressed new
interest in the 12 MARPOL violation cases the Coast Guard has forwarded to the Japanese
C-24
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 3 Vigorously Implement All Laws
-------
government through the Department of State since 1989; however, no official responses have
been received.
Increased civil and criminal penalties since 1991. The number of civil penalties and the average
penalty per violation increased significantly: in 1991, 12 civil penalties were assessed totaling
$39,400, or an average of $3,283 per violation, and in 1992,47 civil penalties were assessed totaling
$299,050, or an average of $6,363 per violation. Substantial criminal penalties were levied in 1993
for the first time: the cruiseliner Regal Princess case in Miami resulted in a maximum criminal
penalty of $500,000, and a case against the fish processing vessel Michelle Irene in Seattle resulted
in a $150,000 fine.
Generated MARPOL Annex V violation cases over a broader area from 1991 to the present. In
1991, most cases were generated in four districts: the 1st (Northeast), 7th (Southeast), 8th (Gulf of
Mexico), and 17th (Alaska). During 1992, the distribution became more balanced and spread across
all districts.with significant increases occurring in the 5th (Mid-Atlantic), llth (Southwest), and 14th
(Hawaii and Pacific) districts.
Meeting with MARPOL coordinators to evaluate each units' program, and accompanying Coast
Guard boarding teams on vessel and facility inspections to observe procedures in conducting Annex
V compliance checks. Field units (COTP and Marine Safety Office personnel) were instructed to
react to reports in a timely manner and collect all information that can contribute to an Annex V
violation case. Reports received at the Headquarters level receive immediate attention and are
forwarded to the local unit for investigation.
Working to expand MARPOL compliance efforts in Coast Guard fisheries patrol programs.
Proposing that an international requirement for refuse recordkeeping be adopted by the IMO. An
action paper, including a proposed amendment to MARPOL 73/78, was submitted for presentation
in July 1993 at the MEPC 34 meeting in London.
Conducting operational enforcement efforts that combine the resources of the Coast Guard cutters and
aircraft with Marine Safety Offices.
Conducted a preliminary meeting with DOA APHIS in February 1993, and agreed to
Draft an MOU documenting the Coast Guard/APHIS coordination efforts;
Develop a proposed addendum to the APHIS Plant Protection Quarantine Boarding Form, to
include questions pertaining to MARPOL Annex V; '
Draft a one-page handout on MARPOL enforcement guidelines for APHIS inspectors; and ''*
Include APHIS personnel in developing a MARPOL Annex V training video.
Coast Guard will closely monitor the status of MARPOL Annex V violation cases initiated by
APHIS, and will coordinate the joint efforts in these matters.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 3 Vigorously Implement All Laws
C-25
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Assessed the cost and feasibility of expanding the reception capability of the existing NRC toll-free
hotline to accommodate a toll-free MARPOL Annex V hotline in addition to the oil and chemical
spills hotline. Costs ranged from $105,000 using Coast Guard personnel to $249,000 using
contractor personnel to stand watches, and $100,000 to $300,000 to modify NRC's IRIS to capture
required data. Coast Guard trained operators on the basics of MARPOL Annex V regulations in
January 1993.
NOAA
Developed directives for all NOAA ships, personnel, and charter vessels to comply with MPPRCA
regulations.
Marine Debris Information Offices distributed Coast Guard-approved pollution violation record forms
to citizens who wish to report a MPPRCA violation.
Navy . .
The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) made compliance with the plastics waste discharge restrictions
a high priority among Navy ships through a personal notice to all ship Commanding Officers which
stated that they will be relieved of their duties if they are caught violating the restrictions. Such
notice from the CNO is unprecedented for shipboard pollution abatement.
Multiple Agencies
-^ Under the authority of the Shore Protection Act (SPA), worked to develop a regulatory program that
addressed vessel transport of wastes. EPA prepared a draft Report to Congress describing the need
and effectiveness of a system for tracking vessels transporting wastes hi U.S. waters. (Coast Guard,
EPA)
Attempted to transmit notices of violators to flag states, and subsequently decided to prosecute
violators under U.S. law in light of inadequate responses to these efforts. (State Department, Coast
Guard)
Completed a 1991 survey of port and marina wastes hi Texas and Louisiana to determine (1) the
effectiveness of MARPOL Annex V-related legislation; (2) whether recycling is being pursued, and
(3) the costs of recycling where it is being pursued. GOMP/EPA is funding a follow-up survey of
vessel operators to obtain more information regarding Annex V requirements for boaters and
reception facility usage. (Texas GLO, Texas and Louisiana Sea Grant, GOMP/EPA)
: JV0AA ^outd^0oura&&r0gioปaHi$n0ryinanag6ai6m councils to
include feouSrements that fish and shellfish traps and pots ftetm degradabte panels or
, '" - ป>,.' ' , .
latches.
Status of Programs
NOAA
Collected and reported information on gear-loss rates in all U.S. fisheries to regional fishery
management councils. The councils have implemented disabling or tune-release requirements in most
pot/trap fisheries.
C-26
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 3 Vigorously Implement All Laws
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EPA
Provided information to the Derelict Net Removal Task Force and engaged in simple removals
(Region X)
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 3 Vigorously Implement All Laws
C-27
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Recommendation 4: Research and Monitoring
-------
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APPENDIX C
Recommendation 4 Research and Monitoring
REGQMMENDA T1QN 4: Research and Monitoring
Federal agencies should carry out research to fa) identify md quantify deteterfous,effects
that aquatic debrte have on fish and wffdfffe, coastal wmmwiftres, and vesselฎ W
determine fand-based sources of aquatic debris; and fc} assess potentfaf uses for
biodegradable tvwtoete end the types and effects of byproducts*
Recommendation 4Ai NQAA, the FWS, the MMC and other agencies should expand
research and monitoring activities to determine more precisely the impacts ofpefststent
aquatic debris on fish and wildlife population^ particularly endangered, threatened, and
depleted species,
.. f/ .. 1 ' ' ' J "-*-" ป-"-"<> 1 u_u__u,,
Status of Programs
NOAA
Sponsors long-term research on the impacts of aquatic debris on juvenile sea turtles in the Atlantic
Ocean (all sea turtles are endangered or threatened).
Established programs to monitor the impacts of persistent aquatic debris on the depleted northern fur
seal population on the Pribilof Islands of Alaska, and the endangered Hawaiian monk seal populations
in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Prepared a Report to Congress describing the effects of debris on living aquatic resources, as required
by MPPRCA. Also, investigated the impacts of
plastic-debris ingestion on toothed whales and dolphins, juvenile pelagic sea turtles, and other sea
turtles,
plastic particle ingestion on seabirds.
humpback whale entanglement in the Gulf of Maine,
fishing gear loss within all U.S. Marine and Great Lakes fisheries, and
ghost fishing by various types of onshore and offshore fishing gear.
Participated in a multi-agency task force which recovers lost or discarded fishing nets from Puget
Sound.
C-28
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 4 Research and Monitoring
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Sponsored research on the ghost fishing capability of derelict plastic lobster traps lost in the Hawaiian
spiny lobster fishery areas, and of derelict onshore gillnets in coastal New England.
MMC
Contracted for a report summarizing available information on the sources and effects of marine debris
in the North Sea, the northwest Atlantic Ocean, the Wider Caribbean, and the West Coast of Baja,
California.
NFS :
Added the Fort Jefferson National Monument to the National Park Service Monitoring Program.
Conducted three monitoring surveys at four sites (each 200-300 m long) on the Virgin Islands
National Seashore.
Multiple Agencies
Engaged in multi-year research on the impacts of persistent aquatic debris upon seabird populations
(NOAA, FWS)
Continued to conduct quarterly surveys of plastic entanglement and ingestible debris on 42 beaches
in 10 units of the National Park System (NFS, NOAA)
Encouraged support of a cooperative NMFS-NPS program to use national seashores and coastal
wildlife refuges as sites for monitoring the types and amounts of debris. Currently, only national
seashores are involved in the program. (NOAA, NFS, MMC)
Supported an independent study by the National Research Council's Marine Board to examine the
persistent aquatic debris problem in the United States and to attempt to determine solutions to that
problem. (NOAA, EPA, Navy, MARAD) :
148; tedertfzgeneh&jtootitd work ym, _ _ _,,
universities, merchant vessel owners and operators, commercial and recreational
fishermen, and faeat communities t& qt&ntify economic impacts of persistent aquatic
debris. " - .. < > , " -,"-"'" : -'-'. '""
Status of Programs
NOAA
Texas Sea Grant works with shrimpers to collect debris caught in trawl nets and return the debris to
shore for examination.
Sea Grant extension work helps business and other organizations deal with the implications of
MARPOL Annex V. Advisory service personnel work with small ports and marinas to help them
understand Annex V and how best to comply with the law considering local conditions and
economies.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 4 Research and Monitoring
C-29
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Commissioned two studies on the economic impacts (costs and benefits) of marine debris on
recreation, tourism, and fisheries, and sponsored research on the impacts of receiving-vessel-
generated wastes on remote Alaskan port communities.
Recommendatfon 4Ct EPA, fitOAA, l/SCG and other agencies should conduct research
to determine <ซirtซri&f/tib/ป* of land-based aM water-based sources to the overall
problems, as well as ways to reduce plastic debris from aff sources*
Status of Programs
EPA
Provided funding to develop a pilot program to involve citizens in monitoring debris from land-based
sources and increasing awareness of these sources.
Developed Methods to Manage and Control Plastic Wastes, a 1990 Report to Congress that identified
plastic articles of concern in the aquatic environment, evaluated the use of degradable plastics, and
examined methods for controlling the sources of plastic aquatic debris.
Created the Task Force on Floatable Debris hi the Marine Environment to respond to medical debris
washups and to describe sources and controls of medical wastes.
Investigated floating debris hi several U.S. harbors to determine its composition and assess potential
sources of debris. Harbors sampled were Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Norfolk,
Miami, Galveston/Houston, Seattle, Tacoma, San Francisco, Oakland, Honolulu, and San Juan and
Mayagiiez in Puerto Rico.
Conducted studies to document the types of floating debris entering sewage treatment facilities and
released from several CSOs and storm sewers in Philadelphia, PA, and Boston, MA. Subsequently
initiated a study on the effects of Philadelphia CSOs and SWDs on the Schuylkill River. To date,
the study has evaluated existing laws and NPDES permit language nationwide as they may apply to
the City of Philadelphia, and recommended specific changes to strengthen their ability to mitigate
aquatic debris discharges. The study also conducted a scientific examination in the CSO and SWD
watersheds to determine the debris loading from each watershed. The land-use characterization and
evaluation of existing control measures demonstrate the magnitude of the effort that will be needed
to control the continuous output to waterways from urban centers such as Philadelphia.
Developed the National Combined Sewer Overflow Control Strategy, issued in 1989, which
implements the provisions of MPPRCA regarding CSOs, which are a significant source of plastic
street litter entering the aquatic environment. The strategy focused attention on municipalities with
CSOs, and resulted in the development of State strategies for controlling CSO discharges. Though
implementation of the 1989 strategy resulted in considerable progress hi controlling CSO discharges,
significant water quality impairments remained. To address the remaining impairments, EPA issued
a CSO Control Policy in December 1993. The policy establishes a national framework for CSO
controls, and provides guidance to States and communities for controlling CSO discharges. The
policy details expectations for municipalities with CSOs, as well as State and Regional water quality
C-30
Status of Efforts to Control,Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 4 Research and Monitoring
-------
authorities, and requires them to develop long-term control plans. The policy was developed through
negotiated dialogues with significant input from key stakeholders, such as communities with CSOs,
State officials, and environmental groups. Key components of the policy are listed below.
Municipalities must implement specific technology-based controls, including
0 Developing proper operational and maintenance procedures for sewer systems and CSOs;
ฐ Modifying pretreatment programs to minimize impacts by CSO discharges;
o Giving priority attention to environmentally-sensitive areas;
ฐ Prohibiting CSO discharges during dry weather;
ฐ Controlling solids and floatables in CSO discharges; and
ฐ Monitoring to characterize CSO impacts and efficacy of CSO controls.
Municipalities must develop long-term CSO control plans.
States may revise water-quality standards, as appropriate, during the long-term CSO planning
process. ... -......:
EPA will enforce sanctions against communities that fail to comply with Clean Water Act
requirements, particularly for such violations as dry-weather discharges. !
The cost of CSO controls for the 1100 municipalities with CSOs is estimated to be approximately
$40 billion. ]
Released final regulations for Storm Sewer Discharge Permit Applications in October 1990, which
will require NPDES-program coverage of storm-sewer discharges. With full State compliance, these
regulations will result in a significant decrease in the release of street litter into the aquatic
environment during heavy rainfall. The regulations require that State and Regional NPDES
authorities to consider the financial capabilities of municipalities when establishing schedules for CSO
controls. Phase I NPDES permits issued under these regulations will require compliance with
specified technology-based controls by no later than January 1, 1997, and development of long-term
CSO plans. Phase II permits will require implementation of those long-term plans.
Conducted onsite investigations of floatables accumulations in the New York/New Jersey Harbor
complex, identified the most heavily impacted shorelines, and produced a video summarizing this
study. Also conducted the Hackensack River/Passaic River Study, which examined the effort to
reduce the floatables burden on New York/New Jersey Harbor. The study will lead to evaluating and
implementing plans to address floatable sources within the tidal portions of the Passaic River,
Hackensack River, and Newark Bay.
Developed the Comprehensive Plan for Addressing Floatable Debris in the New York Bight that
addresses all sources of aquatic debris in New York Bight and discusses short-term actions to cleanup
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 4 Research and Monitoring
C-31
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floatables and long-term actions to reduce debris discharges. This plan will be used as a model for
the LISS floatables module, and can be used as a model for a nationwide aquatic debris strategy.
Funded a study to evaluate the existence and costs of different techniques to remove floatable
materials from CSOs.
Maintained close communication with the City of New York in regard to maintaining routine street
sweeping operations despite fiscal challenges.
Met with representatives from Playtex Industries to discuss ways to minimize the presence of their
sanitary products in the aquatic environment resulting from improper consumer disposal.
Developed a 2-year demonstration program for tracking medical wastes, required under the Medical
Waste Tracking Act of 1988.
Conducts weekly (May through September) aerial surveillance programs along the Region HI
coastline, during which floatables are accounted. The Region has noted higher incidents of floating
debris near the mouth of Delaware and Chesapeake Bays, and a relationship between the presence
of boating traffic and occurrences of floating debris.
Santa Clara Valley, CA, began its storm water management program. NPDES permits require public
awareness elements in storm water management programs. Increased public awareness, in
combination with other litter control measures, is expected to assist in reducing the amount of plastics
in the aquatic environment.
Surveyed marinas and small port facilities in the region to determine whether proper disposal facilities
were provided in Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Investigating pollution prevention requirements for industrial permits.
Ensuring that coastal cities are including pollution prevention (debris) in their stormwater management
plants, and the Region is including the General permit Pollution Prevention Plan in all industrial
permits. (The permits prohibit the discharge of solid materials.) The Region has emphasized
recycling and pollution prevention in all of the approximately 50 stormwater seminars and workshops
conducted by regional personnel.
Coast Guard
Takes advantage of the Navy's program to reduce the amounts of plastic taken aboard ships with
provisions and stores. The program works with suppliers to the Navy stock system to reduce the
amount of plastic packaging on products produced for the Navy. Because of their purchasing power,
the Navy has been successful in persuading suppliers to reduce the amount of disposable materials
associated with the products. Coast Guard uses the same supply system to provision their ships, and
also encourages its operational units to selectively choose products through its small purchases that
have reduced plastic packaging.
Testing a prototype shipboard incinerator. Coast Guard managers are monitoring development of
MARPOL Annex VI to determine its impact on the future operation of or restricted use of shipboard
incinerators.
C-32
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 4 Research and Monitoring
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Current waste-reduction technologies are sufficient to enable the Coast Guard to comply with
MARPOL requirements. However, due to very limited storage space aboard cutters and other
relatively small Coast Guard vessels, hardships are imposed upon the crews resulting from the
handling and storage of wastes. For example, food-contaminated wastes are stowed on the
fantail/weatherdeck of the ship, where they decompose and produce a foul odor. With the
implementation of the Special Area requirements for the Wider Caribbean Region, these storage
problems may become more acute because all wastes except food wastes are prohibited from
discharge.
Contracted for the new ocean-going buoy tender to be able to process all of its solid waste with an
onboard incinerator.
Have retrofitted all but the 270-foot class vessels, which were built with pulpers and food compactors
aboard. <
Acts as a liaison to the National Research Council Marine Board Committee on Shipborne Wastes,
whose charter calls for an examination of marine debris pollution caused by all ships' operations,
including all fleets, all ports and terminals, and all pertinent public and private institutions. As issues
arise, during the Committee's investigations, the Coast Guard responds by further examining its
enforcement activities.
NOAA
Monitors the quantity and type of debris that is deposited at selected Alaskan beach sites.
Sponsored research on the buoyancy and bioaccumulation of debris.
MMS ;
Initiated a program in 1987-1988 to control disposal of trash from offshore oif and gas platforms.
This program has been embraced by the oil and gas industry, which has made significant strides in
controlling the release of debris from oil and gas platforms offshore.
Working with Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries to develop a map of recreational fishing
resources near offshore oil and gas platforms. A Boaters Pledge form will be included with the map,
and those fishermen who make the pledge will be given a special price on future editions of the map.
COM
Developed a comprehensive waste collection and disposal strategy in Portland, ME, to reduce marine
debris and aid the port in complying with MARPOL Annex V. This pilot project is to serve as a
model for other communities in the Gulf of Maine region that intend to design their own marine
debris programs. Additional programs are tentatively planned for Rockland, ME, Portsmouth, NH,
and Massachusetts Bay/Stellwagen Bank, MA.
SPI
Initiated Operation Clean Sweep in 1991. Since then, more than 20,000 copies of materials have
been distributed supporting this educational program to help the plastics industry reduce the loss of
pellets into the environment. Operation Clean Sweep provides helpful tips on preventing pellet loss
for anyone who handles resin pellets, from producers and shippers to bulk storage operators and
processors.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 4 Research and Monitoring
C-33
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Multiple Agencies
Conducted surveys of Gulf of Mexico ports, terminal operators, waste management, and recreational
facility operators oh the effectiveness of MARPOL Annex V and the implementation costs. (EPA,
Texas GLO)
Developing a statistically-valid method for monitoring the type, quantity, and origin of debris. Also
planning a November 1993 meeting of debris coordinators to: (1) determine the influence of survey
beach size, number of survey beaches, and frequency of surveys on the ability to detect statistically
significant trends in the deposition of aquatic debris; (2) design and implement an integrated,
multiagency program for monitoring marine aquatic debris from land-based and offshore sources; (3)
identify the aquatic debris items most suitable as indicators of changes hi the contributions of various
land-based and offshore sources of aquatic debris. (NOAA/MERP, NFS, EPA, GOMP/EPA, CMC)
Conducted a study of pellet releases to the environment by pellet manufacturers, transporters, contract
packagers, and processors, hi order to determine how and why pellets are released into the
environment, and developed recommendations to control the releases. (EPA, SPI)
Contacted over 100 coastal jurisdictions in four states responsible for Gulf front beaches (state
agencies, county supervisors and judges, mayors, park superintendents, wildlife conservation and
management area managers). A letter describing MMS's regulatory and inspection program relating
to drum marking requirements was mailed to all coastal jurisdictions shoreward of active offshore oil
and gas operations in the Gulf. Addressees were also informed how to secure proper assistance hi
removing marked and unmarked drums that wash ashore. MMS is continuing to cooperate with
government, industry, and environmental groups through active participation hi committees and
conferences focused on reduction and elimination of marine debris associated with offshore oil and
gas operations. (MMS, Coast Guard)
In May 1990, an MOTJ was signed between the EPA, Coast Guard, NPS, and Padre Island National
Seashore for removal of drums on Padre Island National Seashore. As part of the MOU, EPA agreed
to take the lead in a joint effort to investigate the sources of these drums. EPA Regions IV and VI
and the State of Texas are working toward assuming state responsibility for response, on-scene
command, and funding for drum removal on state lands. All drums that are leaking should be
reported to 1-800-424-8802 (NRC). All other drums that are found should be reported to the land
owner or manager. Coast Guard, working with MMS, contacted county supervisors, mayors, refuge
managers, and park superintendents in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama identifying
appropriate contacts to notify regarding drums washing ashore from unknown sources. From
information gathered, EPA has concluded that a point source' (or sources) cannot be readily or
positively identified. This conclusion leaves open to suspicion any or all drum-using businesses and
individuals operating hi this region. At this tune, given the improbability of identifying the source(s)
of the drums, EPA does not find it cost-effective to continue its activities in this investigation. (EPA,
Coast Guard, NPS, Padre Island National Seashore, MMS)
Sponsored annual national beach cleanups that characterize the types of debris deposited upon U.S.
beaches. (NOAA, EPA, DOI, CMC, SPI)
Cooperated in a debris monitoring program through quarterly surveys at National Seashores around
the country. (NOAA, NPS)
C-34
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 4 Research and Monitoring
-------
Developing pollution prevention requirements in city stormwater management plans (EPA,
GOMP/EPA)
Recommendation 4D: NOAA should work #/$ fishermen and equipment manufacturers
to develop pragmatic ways to fa} reduce toss of fishing equipment* particularly trapsf
mwlttete, &ndgilfn*t$; (6)ifป0fW& W*ฅ$ to WGW& fast fishing traps and nets, and(c)
recyc/e used fishing nets and net fragments.
Status of Programs
NOAA
Sea Grant funded and developed debris control demonstration projects for fishing ports and marinas
from Alaska to Puerto Rico.
Sponsored research investigating methods for permanently marking fishing gear, and maintained a
reference collection for identifying lost and discarded fishing gear.
Sponsored two feasibility studies assessing the recycling of trawl fishing nets. ;
COM
Facilitated an arrangement whereby plastic fish totes used at the Portland Fish Exchange (arid
extensively throughout the fishing industry) are now being recycled into new plastic fish totes.
Multiple Agencies
Developed a decal showing MARPOL Annex V regulations for use on shrimp boats, and a brochure
and slide show for captains and crews will be completed in 1993. (EPA, USCG)
Recommendation 4E: fitST {formerly AlBSf should work with the ASTM and other
industry associations to dev&fo/t standards &itd erftetfo for what Constitutes "bfade-
gradable" and *phota-degradable"x -
Status of Programs
EPA
Developed a rule on degradable ring carriers describing the meaning of the term "degradable."
NOAA
Sponsored research on the photodegradation of selected resins under aquatic environmental
conditions.
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 4 Research and Monitoring
C-35
-------
Recommendation 4 R ฃ/*A f&A and NQAA Should work with ptasifc manufacturers fa
examine how degradaote plastics react in the environment, including potent/at
environmental eff&cis as the plastic degrades.
Status of Programs
EPA
As required by Section 2202 of the 1987 MPPRCA, EPA developed Methods to Research and
Control Plastic Wastes, a 1991 Report to Congress. Among other things, the document identified
plastic articles of concern in the aquatic environment, evaluated the use of degradable plastics, and
examined methods for controlling the sources of plastic aquatic debris.
Navy
In FY 91, 92, and 93, the Congress directed the Army's Natick Research Laboratory to conduct
research on biodegradable plastics. The Navy is working closely with the Natick facility on the $2
million research effort.
In May 1991, DOD funded a public and private sector consortium consisting of the DOA, the Army
Natick Research Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Hawaii, 4-H
Council, and Warner-Lambert, Inc., to expedite the goal of replacing conventional plastics with
materials that are degradable and nontoxic in the environment. The consortium's objectives are to
research, develop, field test, and market methods of using 100% renewable agricultural-based plastic-
like materials, as well as educate Navy personnel and the public in their use.
Multiple Agencies
Met regularly with plastics manufacturers during Marine Debris Roundtable meetings to discuss
aquatic debris problems and solutions, including the viability of degradable-plastic alternatives.
(NOAA, EPA)
C-36
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 4 Research and Monitoring
-------
-------
Recommendation 5: Beach Clean-Up
-------
-------
APPENDIX C
Recommendation 5 Beach Clean-up
RECOMMENDATIONS. BeachCteanปup
Federal agencies should work cooperatively among themselves, as we/I as with state
agencies, private industry, and environmental groups to remove aquatic debris front
beaches and other parts of the aquatic environment, federal agencies should encourage
coordination with state and local authorities to conduct systematic monitoring of aquatic
debris accumulation and impacts to assess compliance with regulations prohibiting
disposal of plastics and controlling other solid waste discharges into V.S, waters.
Recommendation SAt Federal agettc/es which manage coastal properties should step up
actions to remove persistent aquatic debris.
Status of Programs
NPS -
Continued to conduct independent National Park Service beach surveys.
EPA
Awarded the NYCDEP a Marine CSO Grant for the purchase of two debris collection vessels that
should be operational in 1992. The construction of the skimmer vessels has been delayed
approximately one year. Due to budget problems and questions concerning the need for two vessels,
NYCDEP has decided to purchase only one skimmer vessel as originally designed. This vessel is
scheduled to be operational by August 31, 1993. A second grant was awarded for the enhancement
of an ongoing CSO demonstration project called a Flow Balancing Facility that is located at the head
of Fresh Creek (a tributary of Jamaica Bay).
GOMP/EPA
Established shore adoption programs in all five Gulf states.
NOAA
The Coastal Zone Management Program initiated a program that assists coastal states in developing
their own programs designed to reduce the amount of plastic debris entering the aquatic environment.
Multiple Agencies
Signed MOU for removal of drums on Padre Island National Seashore, and assumed responsibility
for response, on-scene command, and funding for removal of on state lands. The removal program
is in place and ongoing. (EPA, Coast Guard, NPS, State of Texas)
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 5 Beach Clean-Up
C-37
-------
|8fc Ffyfctat agencies should support fo&tf volunteer totoek clean-up
efforts as well as the collection and interpretation of data on what the volunteers remove.
Fe
-------
Disseminated extensive information on persistent marine debris that was generated during beach
cleanups and data collection, and reported the information in the final national beach cleanup report.
(CMC, NOAA, EPA, NFS, SPI)
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix C: Recommendation 5 Beach Clean-Up
C-39
-------
-------
APPENDIX D
PUBLIC OUTREACH MATERIALS
-------
-------
PUBLIC OUTREACH MATERIALS
NOAA maintains Marine Debris Information Offices that disseminate outreach materials to concerned
citizens and organizations interested in debris issues. A form for ordering these materials is presented
in Figure D-l. Materials may be ordered from the NOAA offices listed below.
East Coast Marine Debris Information Office
1725 DeSales Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202)429-5609
West Coast Marine Debris Information Office
312 Sutter Street, Suite 606
San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone: (415)391-6204
Materials are also available directly from Federal agencies and organizations, and may be obtained from
the debris coordinators listed below. A list of information is found in Table C-l.
ENVIRO1SMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Mr. David Redford, Chief
Ocean Dumping and Marine Debris Section
Oceans and Coastal Protection Division
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Ms. Edna Villanueva
Oceans and Coastal Protection Division
EPA Headquarters
401 M Street, SW
. Washington, DC 20460
Ms. Ann Rodney
EPA Region I (WQE 425)
John F. Kennedy Building
One Congress" Street
Boston, MA 02203-2211
Mr. Daniel Forger, Chief
EPA Region II Ocean Programs Section
Jacob K. Javits Federal Building
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278
Mr. William Muir
Water Management Division
EPA Region III (3-ES-42)
841 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Mr. Christopher McArthur
Water Management Division
EPA Region IV
345 Courtland Street, N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30365
Mr. Kenneth Fenner
EPA Region V
77 West Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60604-3507
Mr. James Ratteree
EPA Region VI (6W-QM)
1445 Ross Avenue
Suite 1200
Dallas, TX 75202-2733
Tom Lorenz
EPA Region VII
Water Management Division
726 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66101
Mr. Robert Erickson
EPA Region VUI
Water Management Division
999 18th Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2405
Ms. Suzanne Marr
EPA Region IX
75 Hawthorne Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-3901
MikeRylko
EPA Region X
Office of Coastal Waters
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix D Public Outreach Materials
D-l
-------
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC
ADMINISTRATION
Mr. James Coe, Program Manager
Marine Entanglement Research Program
Alaska Fisheries Science Center
7600 Sand Point Way NE
BIN C15700, F/AKC
Seattle, WA 98115-0070
UNITED STATES NAVY
Mr. Larry Koss
Chief of Naval Operations (OP-452)
Crystal Plaza No. 5, Room 654
2211 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, VA 22202
SOCIETY OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY, INC.
Mr. Jack LaCovey, Director
Communications Office
The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc.
1275 K Street, N.W., Suite 400
Washington, DC 20005
CENTER FOR MARINE CONSERVATION
Ms. Kathy O'Hara, Director
Pollution Prevention Program
Center for Marine Conservation
306A Buckroe Avenue
Hampton, VA 23664
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
LCDR Mike Farley
U.S. Coast Guard
Marine Environmental Protection Division
2100 Second Street S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001
National Response Center
Incident Reporting Information System (IRIS)
Phone: (1-800)424-8802
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
Mr. David W. Laist, Policy and Program Analyst
Marine Mammal Commission
1825 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
No. 512
Washington, DC 20009
D-2
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix D Public Outreach Materials
-------
NOAA'S MARINE DEBRIS INFORMATION OFFICE
OPERATED EW THE CENTER FOR MARINE CONSERVATION
EDUCATION MATERIALS LIST AND ORDER FORM
Name
Organization
Address
Phone
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Marine Debris
Information Office distributes educational materials about the effects of plastic in the
ocean and about MARPOL Annex V. The materials are free to the public unless
otherwise stated. Please order only what you will honestly use - quantities are
limited.
INFORMATIONAL PACKETS
We have developed a number of informational packets to me t the needs of different
interest groups. If you are interested in receiving a packet, please Identify yourself
or your primary interest: (If you are combining your order with a colleague.
please indicate, so that we may include an extra copy.)
General Public
Beach Cleanup Participant
_____ Beach Cleanup Organizer
Teacher or other Educator
Elementary School Student
Middle, High School or College Student
_____ Recreational Boating/Fishing
Press or Media Representative
_____ Plastics Recycling and Degradable Plastics
Cruise Ship Passenger
Commercial Fishing
Commercii -pping Industry
_. Offshore Oil and/or Gas Industry
Port and Terminal Operator
Plastic ManufacturerAlesin Pellet Producer
BROCHURES - Up to 200 total, free
These brochures about plastic in the marine environment are very similar in content
Please indicate your interest group, and specify quantity: Qty.
General Public ____
Recreational Boating -.
Recreational Fishing
Commercial Shipping
PACIFIC COAST OFFICE 312 Suiter Si. Suile 606. San Franc-SCO. CA 94108 (415) 391-6204 FAX (415) 956-7441
ATLANTIC/GULF COAST OFFICE 1725 DeSales Si. NW. Washington. DC 20036 (202) 429-5609 FAX (202) 672-0619
Figure D-l. NOAA Marine Debris Information Office Request Form
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix D Public Outreach Materials
D-3
-------
POSTERS AND STICKERS - Limit 10
Popcye poster: "I hope ya swabs won't be throwin* no
PLASTICS overboard!"
Fish logo poster: "Don't teach your trash to swim"'!!'.!!! 1 !!!! i 1 '
Fish logo sticker: "Don't teach your trash to iwim" ...!.!'!!!!!!!!
MARPOL PLACARD - required by United States Coast Guard for
vessels 26 feet and over
PUBLICATIONS*
A Citizen's Guide to Plastics in the Ocean - Limit 2
An informative review of the debris problem, with
history of legislation and programs on marine debris.
All About Beach Cleanup? - Limit 2
A comprehensive guide to planning a beach cleanup. ' ' '
Marine Debris Coloring Book - Limit 2
Easy to photocopy.
Marine Debris Facts and Figures
Summary of important statistics about the use of
plastic and its presence in the ocean.
Marine Debris Bibliography (56 pages)
Lists over 500 technical papers on marine debris.
Marine Debris Educational Materials List
Description of brochures, reports, and materials
produced about marine debris.
Recycling Study Guide
A teacher's guide to recycling activities for students. ' ' '
Oeaning North America's Beaches ($10)
A summary of the 1989 National Beach Cleanup results.
* More technical documents on marine debris and entanglement are available
upon request. Please contact either of NOAA's Marine Debris Information
Offices listed on the other side of this order form.
AUDIO/VISUAL MATERIALS - all shows may be borrowed or purchased
Marine Debris and Entanglement Slide Show - $25
15 minute presentation for the public (48 slides)
Coastal Cleanup Slide Show - $25
20 minute presentation for the public (55 slides) ' '
Commercial Fisherman Slide Show - $30-W5
North Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Pacific,
or Northwest regional shows. Please specify.
Trashing the Oceans & Port of Newport Video - $10
Discusses marine debris and one innovative solution.
, . . WHAT DO YOU TTDNK7
We invjie you to share your comments and suggestions about the mirine debris informational
materials you have received. Please let us know of any new information that you would lite
tosee included in the packets. We are also interested in your own effons to combu the
problem of marine debris and would like to hear your success stories.
Figure D-l. NOAA Marine Debris Information Office Request Form (continued)
D-4
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix D Public Outreach Materials
_
-------
Table 3. Summary of Public Outreach Materials
Item 1
VIDEO TAPES AND SLIDES
All Washed Up.
Commercial Fisherman Slide Show. Explains how they can
reduce debris pollution
Don't Mess With Texas Beaches. Explains the impacts of
debris to wildlife and tourism, and explains MARPOL Annex V.
Flotsam and Jetsam: Killing Our Seas. Describes marine
pollution in Florida in 1988.
Marine Debris and Entanglement. Slide show that examines
debris types, sources, and problems and control efforts.
Plastics Are a Different Kind of Trash. Explains the debris
problem in relation to the offshore oil and gas industry.
The Challenge On the Coast. Part of the 1 989 PBS
documentary series Conserving America
Trashing the Oceans. Video examining the debris problems and
efforts to control debris releases.
Trash Over the Side Means Trash on the Beaches. PSA
featuring Lucky the trained dolphin retrieving a bottle discarded
by a boater.
United States Navy Plastics Waste Management Program Video
Presentation Selections. Six program selections on marine
debris.
Debris program in Portland, ME. 20-min slide show profiling the
Portland effort.
Coastal Cleanup Slide Show. 20-min presentation, 55 slides
Commercial Fishermen Slide Show. Four different regional
shows (North Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Pacific, and Northwest).
Educational video. 1 5-min video that explains MARPOL and
CWA requirements and compliance.
gRQCHURES , ,,, , ,
A seabird could mistake this resin pellet for a fish egg. And die.
Problems caused by resin pellets in the environmental and
recommended actions for the industry.
Everyone's Trash Hurts Someone Sometime. Documents fishing
vessels that have been damaged by debris, shows the fishing-
related items found in Texas Coastal Cleanups, and summarizes
the Coast Guard enforcement requirements under MARPOL
Annex V.
Target Audience
Offshore oil and gas
industry.
Commercial fishermen
Junior high school
students
General public
General public
Offshore oil and gas
industry workers
General public
General public
Not available to the
general public
Naval personnel only
General public
General public
Commercial fishermen
Waterway users
_, ,,
Plastics industry
Commercial fishermen
Contact
-
Great Ideas
Productions
NOAA
Texas Sea Grant
Florida Broadcasting
Service, Inc.
NOAA
NOAA
WQED (New York)
NOAA
Texas Sea Grant
^Chief of Naval
Operations
GOM
NOAA
NOAA
USCG 8th District
and Texas GLO
' .. ,
NOAA and SPl
Texas Sea Grant,
CMC, Gulf Coast
States Regional
Office
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix D Public Outreach Materials
D-5
-------
TableS. Summary of Public Outreach Materials (continued)
Item
Great Texas Beach Trash-Off. Promotion for 1 990 trash
sculpture contest. Also describes spring cleanups plastics
recycling program.
Help for Hooked Birds. Detailed procedures for the safe release
of pelicans and other seabirds that have ingested or become
entangled in monofilament fishing line.
Lots of Litter: The Challenge for a Cleaner Coast. Focuses on
the importance of Louisiana's coastal zone as a resource and
essential wildlife habitat and impacts of debris.
Louisiana Litter Watch: Adopt-A-Beach Program. Describes the
program and lists the program representatives by parish.
Provides and adoption agreement form.
Recyclel Please, Our Children's Future Depends On It. Basic
information on recycling, emphasizes environmental protection,
and urges public participation. Includes information on volunteer
beach cleanups.
This discarded line is done fishing. But it's not done killing.
Information on debris, recommended actions, and MARPOL
Annex V. Separate versions developed for commercial and
recreational fishermen.
Tossing this trash overboard can leave death in your wake.
Information on debris, recommended actions, and MARPOL
Annex V.
Trash for Arts Sake! Beach Trash Sculpture Tour. Winning
trash sculptures from the April 1 990 contest held in Galveston.
When it's done holding your ship's garbage, it could hold death
for some marine animals. Information on debris, recommended
actions, and MARPOL Annex V.
Plastic Pellets in the Aquatic Environment: Sources and
Recommendations. Brochure based on the 1 992 EPA report on
the plastics industry as the major source of pellets in the aquatic
environment.
Target Audience
General public
General public
General public
General public
General public
Commercial and
recreational fishermen
Recreational boaters
General public
Commercial shipping
industry
Plastics industry and
its affiliates
Contact
Texas GLO
Suncoast Seabird
Sanctuary
Louisiana Geological
Survey
Louisiana Department
of Culture,
Recreation, and
Tourism
Texas GLO
NOAA
Texas Adopt-A-Beach
Program
NOAA
EPA >
FACT SHEETS AND FUERS '' ' * ' >->'<- - , ,,'--, -'-,,, ,..-.
Disposal of Plastics and Other Garbage in Waters of the U.S.
Fact sheet that outlines and defines key terms for U.S.
regulations that implement MARPOL Annex V.
Florida Is Experiencing a Neat Wave. Announces Florida's
affiliation with Keep America Beautiful.
General public
General public
Coast Guard
Keep America
Beautiful, Inc.
D-6
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix D Public Outreach Materials
-------
Table 3. Summary off Public Outreach Materials (continued)
Item
Guidelines for Reducing or Eliminating Trash and Debris in the
Gulf of Mexico: Notice to Lessees and Operators of Federal Oil
and Gas Leases in the Outer Continental Shelf, Gulf of Mexico
OCS Region. Debris problems traceable to oil and gas
operations and recommends marine debris education for offshore
workers and trash management plan implementation.
Target Audience
Oil and gas industry
Contact
MMS
Marine Debris Facts and Figures. Manual that provides facts on
use of plastics, sources of debris, and impacts on wildlife and
the marine environment. _^
General public
NOAA
Marine Litter: A Dangerous Eyesore. Describes problems of
wildlife entanglement, decreased tourism, danger to beach
users, and hazards to vessels caused by marine debris.
General public
Louisiana Sea Grant
Recyclers in the State of Louisiana. Lists names, addresses, and
telephone numbers of recycling centers throughout the state.
General public
Louisiana Department
of Culture,
Recreation, and
Tourism
This is the End, Not the Beginning. Flier describing the hazards
to wildlife caused by plastic beverage yokes. ,
General public
Wildlife Care Center
Let's Keep Our Shorelines Clean. Series of fact sheets.
Recreational boaters
GOM
NEWSLETTERS
Coastal Connection. Provides information of the debris
problems, efforts to control marine debris pollution, and
promotes the annual beach cleanups. .
General public
CMC
Critter Cryer. Information for members of the Peace River
Wildlife Center that includes articles on rehabilitation of
entangled animals. _____
General public
Peace River Wildlife
Center
Louisiana Update. Articles on recycling and volunteer cleanup
programs.
General public
Louisiana Department
of Culture,
Recreation, and
Tourism
Texas Beach Bulletin. Articles on beach cleanups, coastal
management, and other marine issues in Texas.
General public
Texas GLO
POSTERฉ
Do Your Share to Show You Care Rebeautification in Process.
Beach cleanup poster. .
General public
Mississippi Bureau of
Marine Resources
Help for Hooked Birds. How to release seabirds that have
become entangled in monofilament fishing line.
Fishermen and beach
users
Suncoast Seabird
Sanctuary
Our Ocean is Drowning. Stow Your Trash and Prevent Marine
Debris. It's the Law. Depicts debris items.
Boating public
NOAA
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix D Public Outreach Materials
D-7
-------
TableS. Summary of Public Outreach Materials (continued)
Item
Target Audience
Contact
STICKERS AND OSCALS *V, *"*:'"> ^" " ,"'- ~" ^ ' - ^-;<:'""
Working together We Can All Make a Difference! Red,
whlte.and blue decal showing MARPOL Annex V restrictions for
waste disposal at sea.
Operators of vessels
over 40 ft.
NOAA
OTHEB
Don't Mess With Texas Beaches. Coloring book includes four
II songs about littering on the beach.
II Pollution Discharge Restrictions Wheel. User-friendly device
I] designed to educate mariners on MARPOL restrictions and
marine environmental compliance. Available in English, Spanish,
|l and Vietnamese, and being developed in Portuguese, Italian,
1 Russian, Japanese, and Korean.
j Officer Snook Coloring Book. Educational information and
1 games on marine pollution and suggests ways to fight pollution.
|| Harbor Patrol Check List. Interactive computer program that
enables users to assess risks and resource sensitivity, and
|] recommends deployments to maximize patrol effectiveness.
Face the Ocean Skit. Skit includes questions about marine
1 debris and its effects on the marine environment. The "ocean"
Is interviewed by a reporter.
j A Citizen's Guide to Plastics in the Ocean. A review of issues
relating to marine debris, including problems, legislation, and
|| programs.
1 All About Beach Cleanups. A comprehensive guide to planning a
|| beach cleanup.
|| Marine Debris Coloring Book.
J Marine Debris Facts and Figures. Summary of important
|| statistics about the use of plastic and its presence in the ocean.
J Marine Debris Educational Materials List. Description of
J brochures, reports, and materials produced about marine debris.
1 Recycling Study Guide. A teacher's guide to recycling activities
j for students.
J Cleaning North America's Beaches. Summary of National Beach
| Cleanup Results.
I Enjoy the beach but save it for others. Coloring card.
Environmental Guide for New England Mariners.
u
Elementary school
students
Mariners
Children
Coast Guard
personnel
General public
General public
General public
General public
General public
General public
Grade school teachers
General public
Children
Recreational boaters
and fishermen
Texas GLO
USCG Headquarters
USCG 7th District
and Headquarters
USCG
Gulf Coast Research
Laboratory
NOAA
NOAA
NOAA
NOAA
NOAA
NOAA
NOAA
GOM
GOM '.
D-8
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix D Public Outreach Materials
-------
TableS. Summary of Public Outreach Materials (continued)
Item
Marine Debris Bibliography. Comprehensive bibliography
containing information sources on marine debris.
Marine Debris Display. Includes a wall exhibit and items of
debris in an aquarium depicting the problems caused by marine
debris.
Marine Gang. Traveling environmental education program on the
coastal and marine environment, (actors and costumes)
Save Our Beaches. Book mark that provides information on
Texas' Open Beaches Act and public access to Gulf beaches
with seven safety tips for Texas beach cleanup volunteers.
Texas State Aquarium Marine Debris Exhibit. Includes visuals
and discovery boxes depicting debris problems. Highlights
impacts of plastics and tar.
Marine Litter Kill, Fishing Derby, Show & Tell, and Fishermen.
Thirty-second PSAs.
Turning the Tide on Trash: A Learning Guide on Marine Debris.
An interdisciplinary learning guide.
MULT1MEDJA CAMPAIGNS
Clean Streets/Clean Beaches
- Clean Streets/Clean Beaches: A Storm Drain Painting Project.
Campaign initiated by EPA Region IV to increase awareness of
the connection between trash deposited on city streets and
trash that is deposited on beaches in Long Island Sound.
Campaign includes brochures, factsheets, posters (English and
Spanish), instructions for stenciling storm drains.
Clean Roads/Clean Reefs. Campaign under development by
the Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service (VIMAS). Plan to
develop posters (English and Spanish), bumper stickers, and an
educational video for distributino in the U.S, Virgin Islands. Will
follow same format as Clean Streets/Clean Beaches.
Clean Streets/Clean Waterways. Includes slide shows,
videos, brochures and other promotional items. Objective is
similar to Clean Streets/Clean Beaches.
Take Pride Gulf Wide.
Stash Your Trash Keep Mississippi Waters and Shorelines
Clean. Sticker
Keet Our Coast Beautiful. Bumper Sticker
Minerals Management Service. Decal
Target Audience
General public
General public
Elementary school
children
General public
General public
General public
Elementary school
children
General public
General public
General public
General public
General public
General public
Contact
EPA, NOAA
Gulf Coast Research
Laboratory
Florida Sea Grant
Texas GLO
Texas State
Aquarium
GOM
EPA
"
EPA Region II .
VIMAS and EPA
Region II.
NJDEPE and
Northeast Counties
Recycling and Solid
Waste Planning
Association (New
York, NY area)
Mississippi/Alabama
Sea Grant
MMS
MMS |
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix D Public Outreach Materials
D-9
-------
TableS. Summary of Public Outreach Materials (continued)
|j Item
II An Action Plan for a Clean Gulf of Mexico. Explains debris
problems and solutions in the Gulf, (video, PSA)
Boater's and Fishermen's Pledge/Take Pride Gulf Wide.
II Defines the debris problem and encourages retrieval and proper
disposal of boater trash in the Gulf. Includes a boater's pledge.
Take Pride Gulfwlde: Keep the Gulf Coast Beautiful. Defines
II debris, outlines problems, and list Gulf beach cleanup programs.
J Stash Your Trash. Explains the problems with different types
of trash and what the target audience can do to control debris
|ij loss.
II Stash Your Trashl List debris problems and encourages
responsible trash disposal
Take Pride Gulf Wide Beach Cleanup 1989. Announcement
I of the 1989 Gulf-wide beach cleanup.
I Stash Your Trash., and Stash Your Trash: Marine Litter is
I More Than an Eyesore. Depict a pelican on a pole and lists
| actions to be taken to reduce debris.
Stash Your Trash. It's the Law. Announces the 1 989
II Mississippi beach cleanup and enactment of the law to enforce
MARPOL Annex V.
J Stow It, Don't Throw It! Bumper stickers for boat trailers.
Stow It, Don't Throw Itl Take Pride Gulf Wide. Sticker.
j Stash Your Trash Keep Mississippi Beaches Clean. Button.
J Operation Clean Sweep. Multimedia campaign sponsored by the
Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc.
Operation Clean Sweep/We Take It to Port. Outlines year-long
j program and objectives of model port project for handling ship
jj waste in Texas.
Target Audience
General public.
Recreational boaters
General public
Recreational boaters
Recreational boaters
General public
General public
General public
Recreational boaters
General public
General public
Plastics industry
Commercial shipping
and recreational
boating
Texas Adopt-A-Beach Program.
Joey Saves the Day/ Texas Adopt-A-Beach Program Puppet
l| Show. Puppet show features Lucky the Dolphin and a young
| fisherman named Joey.
j Texas Adopt-A-Beach Program. Slide show describing debris
I problems and the Adopt-A-Beach program to clean Gulf beaches
Youth groups and
elementary school
students
General public
Contact
GOMP/EPA, TX Sea
Grant
V
Texas GLO
EPA, GOMP/EPA,
Texas Adopt-A-Beach
MS Bureau of Marine
Resources and
MS/AL Sea Grant
Mississippi Bureau of
Marine Resources,
Mississippi/ Alabama
Sea Grant
MMS
Mississippi Bureau of
Marine Resources
Mississippi Bureau of
Marine Resources'
CMC, Gulf Coast
States Regional
Office
Texas GLO
MS Bureau of Marine
Resources
SPI
Texas GLO
Texas GLO
Texas GLO
D-10
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix D Public Outreach Materials
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Table 3. Summary of Public Outreach Materials (continued)
Item
Adopt-A-Beach Program. Information on Adopt-A-Beach and
Lakeshore Cleanup Programs.
Be a Beach Buddy: 4th Annual Texas Coastal Cleanup.
Summarizes data collected during the 1 986, 1 987, and 1 988
beach cleanups and promotes the 1 989 Texas cleanup.
Be a Beach Buddy: Texas Coastal Cleanup September 19,
1987. Promotes the 1 987 Texas Coastal Cleanup with facts on
debris and entanglement.
Adopt-A-Beach Program: Don't Mess With Texas Beaches.
Discusses the origin and accomplishment of the program.
Everything You Need to Know to Start an Adopt-A-Beach
Program.
Target Audience
General public
General public
General public
General public
General public
Contact
Texas GLO
CMC, Texas Adopt-
A-Beach Program,
Gulf Coast States
Regional Office
CMC, Texas Adopt-
A-Beach Program,
Gulf Coast States
Regional Office
Texas GLO
Texas GLO
Port of Newport Refuse Removal Project
Marine Refuse Disposal Project. Details the Port of Newport,
OR, pilot project for handling ship-generated waste.
Trashing the Ocean and Port of Newport.
Our Water Planet is Becoming Polluted by Plastic Debris.
General overview of the marine debris problem with
recommended actions for individuals. Developed as part of the
Port of Newport Marine Refuse Disposal Project.
General public
General public
NOAA
NOAA
Clean Ocean Campaign.
Thanks Matey, 1 couldn't do it without you. Metal button
features Popeye the Sailor Man.
/ Hope Ya Swabs Won't Be Thro win' No Plastics Overboard.
Features Popeye the Sailor Man.
Public Service Announcement featuring Popeye.
General public
Boating public
General public
CMC
NOAA
CMC
Lend a Hand in the Sand
Lend a Hand in the Sand. Examines debris problem
worldwide and in Mississippi coastal areas.
September Sweep of the Beach 1987. Promotion for the
1 987 Louisiana beach cleanup. Contains recommendations for
stowing and recycling trash.
USCG Toll-Free Number. The telephone number is a dedicated
MARPOL hotline established to ensure that calls from the public
are processed effectively. Available on stickers and decals.
Elementary school
students
General public
Recreational boaters,
fishing vessel
operators, marinas,
USCG regulars
MS/AL Sea Grant and
Gulf Coast Research
Laboratory
Louisiana Sea Grant
USCG, CMC, Marine
Safety Offices,
Groups, Stations,
Status of Efforts to Control Aquatic Debris
Appendix D Public Outreach Materials
D-ll
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