2008-2009 

Progress Report on the 

Implementation of the 

MARINE DEBRIS 

RESEARCH, 

PREVENTION, AND 

REDUCTION ACT 

Interagency Marine Debris 

Coordinating Committee 

March 2010 

Congressional Report requirement as stated in Marine Debris Research, 

Prevention, and Reduction Act, 33 U.S.C. 1954. 
Photo courtesy of NOAA PIFSC CRED

Derelict fishing gear damages coral reef 

habitat and is an entanglement hazard 

to marine life. 
This Congressional Report was developed by the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating 

Committee and produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 

U.S. Department of Commerce to fulfill requirements of the Marine Debris Research, 

Prevention and Reduction Act, 33 U.S.C. 1954. 

March 2010 

For citation purposes, please use: 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2010. 

2008-2009 Progress Report on the Implementation of the 

Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act. 

Silver Spring, MD. 70 pp. 

For information or copies, please contact: 

NOAA Marine Debris Program 

Office of Response and Restoration 

National Ocean Service 

1305 East West Highway 

Silver Spring, MD 20910 

301-713-2989 

www.marinedebris.noaa.gov 
INTERAGENCY MARINE DEBRIS COORDINATING COMMITTEE 

Chair, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

Vice-Chair, Environmental Protection Agency 

Department of Defense, Navy 

Department of Homeland Security, Coast Guard 

Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service 

Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service 

Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division 

Department of State, Office of Marine Conservation 

Marine Mammal Commission 

United States Army Corps of Engineers 

Coastal America, Ex Officio 
Holly Bamford, Ph.D. 

IMDCC Chair 

Department of Commerce 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric

 Administration 

National Ocean Service 

Katherine Weiler 

IMDCC Vice-Chair 

Environmental Protection Agency 

Office of Water 

Oceans and Coastal Protection Division 

FEDERAL DEPARTMENT AND AGENCY MEMBERS 

COMMITTEE MEMBERS 

Bradford McLane 

Department of Justice 

Environment and Natural Resources 

Division 

Holly Koehler 

Department of State 

Office of Marine Conservation 

Ashley Greene 

Environmental Protection Agency 

Office of Water 

Mike Simpkins 

Marine Mammal Commission 

Patricia Mutschler 

United States Army Corps of Engineers 

William Nuckols 

Coastal America, Ex Officio 

Sarah Morison 

Department of Commerce 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration 

Mike Pletke 

Department of Defense 

Navy 

David Major 

Department of Homeland Security 

Coast Guard 

Andrew Gude 

Department of the Interior 

Fish and Wildlife Service 

Richard Clingan 

Department of the Interior 

Minerals Management Service 

Mary Boatman (Alternate) 

Department of the Interior 

Minerals Management Service 

Megan Forbes 

IMDCC Executive Secretary 

Department of Commerce 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration 
Acknowledgments 

The Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee would like to 

acknowledge Committee member Sarah Morison for coordinating the multiagency inputs and edits to the progress report. The Committee would also like 

to acknowledge the people in addition to the IMDCC members who provided 

outstanding input, support, editing, and review of this report throughout the 

entire process. We would first like to recognize Ashley Greene for compiling 

several of the tables and drafting the original draft. A thank you also goes to 

Kris McElwee for her invaluable editing of the draft and final versions of the 

document, and to Carey Morishige for the final document layout. 

We would also like to acknowledge the Subcommittee on Integrated 

Management of Ocean Resources for their review and approval of this 

document. 
Tables 

Table 1. Potential Sources of Marine Debris 3 

Table 2. FY2008 to FY2009 IMDCC Agency Funding 30 

Table B1. Overview of the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating 

Committee 38 

Table B2. IMDCC Overview Acronyms 39 

Table C1. Federal Authorities by Agency 40 

Table E1. MARPOL Annex V (33 CFR 151.51 – 151.75): Violation Cases 

Pursued by the U.S. Coast Guard by Year (all vessels) 56 

Table E2. U.S. Coast Guard MARPOL Annex V Violation Citations 57 
APPS Act to Prevent Pollution 

from Ships 

CERCLA Comprehensive 

Environmental 

Response, 

Compensation, and 

Liability Act 

COA Certificate of Adequacy 

CWA Clean Water Act 

DFG Derelict Fishing Gear 

DOC Department of 

Commerce 

DOD Department of Defense 

DOI Department of the 

Interior 

DOJ Department of Justice 

DOS Department of State 

ENRD DOJ Environment and Natural 

Resources Division 

EPA U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency 

ESF Emergency Support Function 

FEMA Federal Emergency 

Management Agency 

FfE Fishing for Energy 

FWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

IAA Inter-agency Agreement 

ICC International Coastal Cleanup 

IMDCC Interagency Marine Debris 

Coordinating Committee 

IMO International Maritime 

Organization 

ISO International Organization for 

Standardization 

MA Mission Assignment 

MARPOL International Convention for 

the Prevention of Pollution 

from Ships 

Acronyms 
MDP NOAA Marine Debris 

Program 

MDRPRA Marine Debris Research, 

Prevention, and Reduction 

Act 

MEPC Marine Environment 

Protection Committee 

MISLE Marine Information for 

Safety and Law 

Enforcement 

MMC Marine Mammal 

Commission 

MMS Minerals Management 

Service 

MOU Memorandum of 

Understanding 

MPPRCA Marine Plastics Pollution 

Research and Control Act 

NDT/RDT National Dredge Team/ 

Regional Dredge Team 

NOAA National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric 

Administration 

NRF National Response 

Framework 

NRP National Response Plan 

NWR National Wildlife Refuge 

NWRS National Wildlife Refuge 

System 

NWSC Northwest Straits 

Commission 

ORR NOAA Office of Response 

and Restoration 

STX STX Pan Ocean Co., Ltd. 

USACE U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers 
Marine debris, from both land- and 

ocean-based sources, is not only an 

eyesore on beaches, but can also impact 

the economy and human health and 

safety. 

Photo NOAA Marine Debris Program 
 

 

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


Contents 

1.0 Executive Summary .......................................................................................................1 

2.0 Introduction ....................................................................................................................2 

2.1 Overview of Issue ............................................................................................................2 

2.2 Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee Overview and History .................3 

2.3 Charge to the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee for Progress 

 Reporting..........................................................................................................................4 

3.0 Implementation Status of 2008 Recommendations .....................................................5 

3.1 Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee ......................................................5 

3.2 Multiple-agency Initiatives ..............................................................................................6
 

3.2.1 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 

3.2.2 Department of Commerce – National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

 Administration (NOAA) 

3.2.3 Department of Defense – Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
 

3.2.4 Department of Defense – Navy 

3.2.5 Department of Homeland Security – Coast Guard 

3.2.6 Department of the Interior – Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) 

3.2.7 Department of the Interior – Minerals Management Service (MMS) 

3.2.8 Department of Justice (DOJ) 

3.2.9 Department of State (DOS) 

3.2.10 Marine Mammal Commission (MMC) 

4.0 NOAA Summary of Marine Debris Inventory ............................................................13 

5.0 The NOAA Marine Debris Program, June 2005 to December 2009 .........................14 

5.1 Program Administration and Structure ............................................................................14 

5.2 Program Activities ...........................................................................................................16 

5.2.1 Research, Assessment, and Understanding 

5.2.2 Removal and Recycling 

5.2.3 Prevention, Education, and Outreach 

5.2.4 Workshops and Conferences 

5.2.5 Partnerships 

6.0 Review of Coast Guard Program .................................................................................21 

6.1 Compliance and Enforcement..........................................................................................22 

6.1.1 Ship-Generated Garbage: Waste Reception Facilities 

6.1.2 Ship-Generated Garbage: Shipboard Compliance and Enforcement 

6.2 Debris Removal ...............................................................................................................23 

6.2.1 Statutory Activities 

6.2.2 Marine Debris Removal Associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita 

6.2.2.1 Removal Operations – Louisiana 

6.2.2.2 Removal Operations – Mississippi 

6.2.3 Interagency Work in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument 
Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


6.2.4 Interagency Work with the Army Corps of Engineers 

6.2.5 Interagency Work with the Department of Defense Dive Programs 

6.2.6 Interagency Work with NOAA for Marine Debris Tracking 

6.3 International Activities.....................................................................................................28 

6.4 Other MDRPRA Activities..............................................................................................28 

6.5 Outreach...........................................................................................................................29 

7.0 Funding and Recommendations ...................................................................................29 

Appendix A: 2008 Recommendations .................................................................................33 

Appendix B: Overview of the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee .........37 

Appendix C: Federal Authorities by Agency ......................................................................40 

Appendix D: USCG MARPOL Reception Facility Inspection/Investigation Job Aid........42 

Appendix E: USCG MARPOL Annex V Violation Cases .................................................55 
 

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


1.0 Executive Summary 

This Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee (IMDCC) progress report 

provides an update on the activities Federal agencies have undertaken between June 2008 and 

December 2009 to address marine debris, as mandated by the Marine Debris Research, 

Prevention, and Reduction Act (MDRPRA; 33 U.S.C. 1951 et seq.). This is the first progress 

report since the publication of the Interagency Report on Marine Debris Sources, Impacts, 

Strategies, and Recommendations (Interagency Report), submitted to Congress in August 2008. 

The Interagency Report provided a detailed review of the problems associated with marine 

debris and laid out 25 recommendations intended to guide the Federal Government’s strategies 

with respect to the problems of persistent marine debris. This progress report follows the outline 

of information requested in the MDRPRA, section 5(c)(2). 

Section 2 provides a brief overview of marine debris and its impacts, the history of the 

IMDCC, and the mandated purpose of this progress report. 

Section 3 provides a review of multi-agency and individual agency activities from the 

nine agencies currently on the IMDCC, with each activity associated with a recommendation 

from the Interagency Report. 

Section 4 provides an update on the status of the Federal Information Clearinghouse, 

currently in development within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

Section 5 is a review of the entire NOAA Marine Debris Program, which was chartered 

in the MDRPRA, from June 2005 to December 2009. 

Section 6 is a review of Coast Guard activities pertaining to marine debris, from 2007 to 

2009. 

Section 7 summarizes Federal agency spending on marine debris activities for FY2008 

and FY2009. This section also addresses the means by which IMDCC priorities are determined. 

The appendices contain more specific information on agency outputs, outcomes, 

mandates, and acronyms. 

1 

 

 

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


2.0 Introduction 

2.1 Overview of Issue 

Marine debris is a pervasive problem along shorelines and in coastal waters, estuaries, 

and oceans throughout the world. For purposes of the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and 

Reduction Act (MDRPRA) only, marine debris is defined as any persistent solid material that is 

manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of 

or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes. Marine debris can kill or injure 

marine and coastal wildlife; degrade habitats; interfere with navigation safety; cause economic 

loss to maritime industries, fishing, and coastal communities; and negatively impact human 

health. These adverse impacts have been documented all over the world. Fishing gear, medical 

equipment, food packaging, beverage containers, and other man-made persistent objects are 

elements of our daily lives. However, when these same objects are abandoned or disposed of 

improperly, they may enter the marine environment and become marine debris. As production 

and use of these objects increases globally, the challenge of containing and properly managing 

them becomes ever greater. 

The significant economic, ecological, and human health and safety impacts described 

above vary in scope and intensity based on the type of debris (e.g., plastic bags, miscellaneous 

plastics, derelict fishing gear, or shipping containers), its location (e.g., floating in shipping lanes 

or resting on sensitive habitats like coral reefs), and its condition. Direct economic effects from 

marine debris can be measured through different sectors, including analysis of impacts on 

tourism, losses in catch revenues, loss of fishing gear, damaged vessels, and human injuries. For 

example, medical debris washing on shore in New Jersey in 1988 resulted in loss of tourism 

income estimated between $700 million and $3 billion (in 2008 US$). Marine debris can also 

cause adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystems, such as coral reefs, wetlands, fish habitats, 

beaches, and migratory species’ breeding grounds and pathways. These ecological impacts can 

affect species directly, through entanglement or smothering of species, or indirectly, through 

changes to habitat. In a study of endangered green sea turtles, 23 of 38 stranded animals were 

shown to have ingested anthropogenic debris, which is often mistaken for food. Additionally, 

marine debris can endanger human health and safety both through direct contact, such as 

stepping on a broken bottle or a syringe at the beach, or indirectly when marine debris like 

fishing nets and lines impacts vessel movement and navigation. Economic estimates of these 

impacts have not been attempted. 

Marine debris originates from both land-based and ocean-based sources (Table 1). People 

and their actions, whether intentional or accidental, are the source of most marine debris. For this 

reason, it is important to identify and target both the origin of the debris and the types of 

activities that generate and convey marine debris. 

2 

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


Table 1. Potential Sources of Marine Debris. 

Land-based Sources of Marine Debris Ocean-based Sources of Marine Debris 

 Municipal landfills 

 Transport of litter and waste (on 

land or on waterways) 

 Stormwater discharge 

 Industrial and manufacturing 

activities 

 Litter and waste generated in coastal 

and inland zones from improper 

waste management 

 Natural events 

 Merchant shipping, ferries, and 

cruise liners 

 Fishing vessels 

 Public vessels 

 Private vessels 

 Offshore oil and gas platforms and 

drilling rigs 

 Aquaculture installations 

 Natural events 

The problem of marine debris must be dealt with using a comprehensive approach that is 

local in scale, global in scope, and directed at source prevention. In many ways, marine debris is 

the result of the larger societal problems involving a lack of knowledge regarding the impacts of 

marine debris and appropriate disposal practices, a lack of interest in following the appropriate 

practices, or an inability to follow appropriate practices if infrastructure is missing or costs are 

too high. Moreover, any successful solution requires a mobilization of public- and private-sector 

actions resulting in a change in attitudes and practices that will prevent marine debris at its 

source, along with response, research, and coordination components to address the inevitable 

continued presence of debris in the environment. 

2.2 Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee Overview and History 

Numerous programs have been created to address various aspects of the marine debris 

problem since the 1970s; however, the Federal Government did not attempt a holistic approach 

until the 1980s. During the late 1980s, efforts to increase coordination among stakeholder 

agencies included the creation of the Interagency Task Force on Persistent Marine Debris, the 

release of the Task Force’s report on marine debris (1988 Report of the Interagency Task Force 

on Persistent Marine Debris), and the passing of the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and 

Control Act (MPPRCA). The MPPRCA created a Marine Debris Coordinating Committee, 

which met sporadically over the years as agencies moved forward to implement the Task Force 

report. Federal agencies have implemented some of the report’s recommendations for additional 

marine debris research, monitoring, and removal as well as fostering stewardship of the ocean. 

Although individual agencies created and continued programs to address marine debris, the 

Committee did not maintain a coordinated interagency approach to address marine debris 

prevention; instead, interagency workgroups met periodically to discuss domestic and 

international activities for marine debris. In 2004, the Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 

was re-established through the Ocean Action Plan and renamed the Interagency Marine Debris 

Coordinating Committee (IMDCC). Coordination among Federal agencies became more 

consistent once again, and the IMDCC’s mandate was codified through the passage in 2006 of 

the MDRPRA. 

3 

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


The role of the IMDCC is to consider and address any abandoned or uncontrolled solid 

material that is introduced into the ocean and coastal environment or the Great Lakes and poses a 

potential adverse impact to the environment, human health, safety, the economy, and other 

resources. (The IMDCC uses a different definition of marine debris than that promulgated by 

NOAA and the Coast Guard.) The objective of the IMDCC is to coordinate a comprehensive 

program of marine debris research, prevention, reduction, and removal activities among Federal 

agencies, in cooperation and coordination with nongovernmental organizations, industries, 

universities, research institutions, states, tribal governments, and other nations, as appropriate. 

The IMDCC provides the mechanism to ensure that these agencies increase their coordination to 

address marine debris. In addition, Federal agencies within the IMDCC continue to address 

aspects of marine debris pertinent to each agency’s mandates and capabilities (see Table B.1 in 

Appendix B). For specific agency mandates see Appendix C. 

The MDRPRA established reporting requirements for the IMDCC that included 

submitting a report to Congress on marine debris impacts and strategies in August 2008, 

followed by progress reports to Congress every two years on the implementation status of the 

strategies and recommendations presented in that report. The 2008 IMDCC Report to Congress 

laid out a comprehensive strategy to address marine debris. The strategy relied on a coordinated 

approach among existing and new partners to support prevention, response, research and 

development, and other coordinated marine debris activities. In the 2008 report, the IMDCC 

described the sources and impacts of marine debris, as well as the challenges associated with 

their characterization. The report also discussed the activities to address marine debris that had 

occurred over the past 20 years, including activities recommended in the report of the 1988 

Interagency Task Force on Persistent Marine Debris. Finally, the 2008 IMDCC Report to 

Congress included 25 recommendations aimed at guiding the Federal Government’s strategies 

for marine debris. These recommendations were intended to be broad in scope, address the 

different agencies’ mandates and policies associated with debris issues, and promote 

collaboration among Federal agencies and partners. They were organized around four themes 

encompassing several topic areas: (1) marine debris prevention through education and outreach, 

legislation/regulation/policy, and incentive programs; (2) response to debris already in the 

environment through enforcement and cleanups; (3) research and technology development to 

assess next steps, address gaps, reduce or prevent material from entering the marine system, and 

mitigate impacts; and (4) cross-theme efforts that foster coordination. 

2.3 Charge to the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee for Progress 

Reporting 

The IMDCC was charged by the MDRPRA to submit progress reports to Congress, 

designed to evaluate United States and international progress in accomplishing the purpose of the 

MDRPRA, no later than three years after the date of the enactment of the MDRPRA, and 

biennially thereafter. The MDRPRA requires the progress reports to include the following items: 

 The status of implementation of any recommendations and strategies of the 

Committee and analysis of their effectiveness; 

 A summary of the marine debris inventory maintained by the National Oceanic 

and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); 

4 

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


 A review of the NOAA program authorized by section 3 of the MDRPRA, 

including projects funded and accomplishments relating to reduction and 

prevention of marine debris; 

 A review of Coast Guard programs and accomplishments relating to marine 

debris removal, including enforcement and compliance with the International 

Convention on the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) requirements; 

and 

 Estimated Federal and non-Federal funding provided for marine debris and 

recommendations for priority funding needs. 

This progress report provides an overview of IMDCC actions, multi-agency initiatives, and 

individual agency activities that support the recommendations outlined in the 2008 report. 

The NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP) was formalized by the MDRPRA, which set 

specific activities and debris types to be addressed. Section 5 of this report outlines the activities 

and focus areas of the MDP from 2005 through 2009. 

In fulfillment of the Coast Guard's responsibilities under the Act to Prevent Pollution 

from Ships (33 U.S.C. 1901-1915 (1996); APPS) and the mandate of the MDRPRA, the Coast 

Guard works to implement MARPOL, ensure compliance among the regulated community, and 

take action against violations. The Coast Guard helps to reduce the amount of debris in the 

environment through its traditional, pollution-risk-removal mission and its assistance to 

interagency partners; in addition to its operational activities, the Coast Guard works diligently to 

promote international action against marine debris and marine debris awareness among the 

regulated public. Section 6 discussed the Coast Guard’s activities in these areas. 

Federal agency funding is identified in Section 7. This section also describes the means 

by which the IMDCC sets annual priorities and highlights the Committee’s coordination role 

among agencies with differing mandates. 

3.0 Implementation Status of 2008 Recommendations 

In its 2008 Report to Congress, the IMDCC presented 25 recommendations (Appendix 

A) intended to guide the Federal Government’s strategies with respect to the problems of marine 

debris. These broadly scoped recommendations were intended to be undertaken both individually 

by agencies and collaboratively through the IMDCC. The recommendations were organized 

around four themes: (1) prevention, (2) response to debris already in the marine environment, (3) 

research and development, and (4) cross-theme efforts to foster coordination. 

Federal agencies of the IMDCC are involved, both independently and collaboratively, in 

a range of diverse projects addressing the four themes of the 2008 report. For the purpose of this 

report, however, a brief overview of the priority themes and projects of the IMDCC and each 

agency over the last 18 months (June 2008 to December 2009) is provided. This progress report 

on the status of implementing the 2008 recommendations includes descriptions of activities 

undertaken by the IMDCC itself, through multi-agency cooperative initiatives, and by individual 

agencies. 

3.1 Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 

The IMDCC continued to coordinate a comprehensive program of marine debris 

activities through its member agencies. Quarterly IMDCC meetings were held to strengthen 

5 

 

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


collaboration and coordination among the Federal agencies. Following the completion of the 

2008 report, the IMDCC undertook an inventory of Federal activities that implement the 

recommendations in the 2008 report. This inventory supported the IMDCC’s effort to develop an 

action plan for 2009. For this action plan, the IMDCC identified four recommendations to 

implement as priority activities to address gaps in the knowledge of or coordination on marine 

debris. 

The four recommendations being implemented as priority activities by the IMDCC 

incorporate the prevention, research, and coordination themes. First, the IMDCC is undertaking 

an initial review of marine debris–related authorities and policies at the state, local, and tribal 

levels as a first step to convening a correspondence group composed of representatives from 

agencies at those levels [Recommendation 2.3].1 Second, the IMDCC worked to convene a 

special session on research related to marine debris and coral reefs at the U.S. Coral Reef Task 

Force meeting in November 2009 [Recommendation 6.3]. Third, the IMDCC coordinated two 

sessions on marine debris at the 2009 Coastal Zone Conference to encourage information 

exchange [Recommendation 8.1]. Finally, the IMDCC continues to serve as a central point for 

coordinating Federal efforts to develop new policies, strengthen existing policies, and identify 

new research topics or projects [Recommendation 8.3]. 

3.2 Multiple-agency Initiatives 

In addition to the IMDCC efforts described above and the individual-agency efforts 

described below, there have been a number of multi-agency initiatives over the last 18 months. 

These initiatives have focused on the themes of prevention, response to debris already in the 

marine environment, and fostering coordination. 

NOAA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service (FWS) have participated in the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal 

Cleanup (ICC) and the American Chemistry Council’s Marine Debris Solutions Advisory Group. 

Both of these efforts support prevention of marine debris by educating the general public on 

behavioral changes that can reduce the amount of litter becoming marine debris 

[Recommendation 1.2]. For the ICC, this outreach is organized around an annual cleanup that 

occurs on the third Saturday of September [Recommendation 1.3]. The Marine Debris Solutions 

Advisory Group supported the American Chemistry Council’s efforts to develop a nationwide 

anti-litter campaign that would result in reduced marine debris. 

NOAA, the Department of the Interior (DOI), and the Marine Mammal Commission 

(MMC) jointly supported the Oceans Awareness campaign (later changed to the Keep Oceans 

Clean Alliance) which is another public awareness campaign aimed at prevention 

[Recommendation 1.2]. This campaign included public service announcements about marine 

debris and educational DVD inserts distributed through the release of Disney’s Little Mermaid 

prequel. 

Continuing an effort that has gone on for over a decade, NOAA, FWS, and Coast Guard 

removed derelict fishing nets from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in 2008 

and 2009. Over 671 metric tons of derelict nets have been removed from coral habitat and 

shorelines since 1995 and 130 metric tons were removed during this report period. 

1

 In the 2008 Report to Congress, recommendations were numbered beginning with a “6,” as they were found in 

Section 6 of the report. However, to avoid confusion, the Section 6 reference has been removed from the beginning 

of the recommendation number. A full list of the recommendations can be found in Appendix A. 

6 

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


In 2006, the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment 

Protection Committee (MEPC) formed a correspondence group to review and prepare an initial 

draft of amendments to Annex V to MARPOL. Coast Guard and NOAA co-chair, with 

participation by EPA, Department of State, FWS, Department of Justice, Department of Defense, 

and Minerals Management Service, the U.S. interagency working group that provided input to 

the MEPC correspondence group. MARPOL Annex V addresses the discharge of garbage 

generated during the normal operation of ships. Although several issues are under discussion, 

perhaps the most far-reaching of all is a proposal to consider changing the Annex V from its 

current structure, which is generally based on a prohibition of a few types of garbage (e.g., 

plastics) and allowing discharges of other garbage types based on distance from shore, to a 

structure with a general prohibition on the discharge of garbage with a list of items that are 

excepted from that prohibition and allowed to be discharged. Since the precise details of this new 

structure have not been discussed or formulated in any detail, the U.S. interagency working 

group has been cautious in its approach to it. The discussions are ongoing and it is possible that a 

working group on Annex V amendments may be formed at MEPC in 2010. 

In another IMO effort to address issues related to marine debris, the EPA and Coast 

Guard co-chaired an interagency working group that provided input for revisions to guidance on 

spoilt cargo management as part of a joint MEPC–London Convention Correspondence Group. 

3.2.1 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 

EPA has a unique capacity, as a national regulatory agency with 10 regional offices and 

programs ranging from ocean and coastal protection to solid waste and stormwater management, 

to address marine debris at the source, as it moves through the watershed, and as it settles in the 

marine environment. Recognizing the role EPA programs and mandates play throughout the 

marine debris pathway, EPA identified prevention as the primary theme for its Marine Debris 

Prevention Program. EPA focused on maximizing the agency’s ability to fulfill both regulatory 

and non-regulatory mandates for marine debris prevention through its Offices of (1) Resource 

Conservation and Recovery, (2) Wastewater Management, (3) Pollution Prevention and Toxics, 

and (4) Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds [Recommendation 2.2]. This included holding an 

EPA-wide Marine Debris Prevention Summit to strengthen agency efforts to address marine 

debris and undertaking an inventory of all EPA efforts, regulatory and voluntary, that support 

marine debris prevention. EPA promoted prevention, both internally and externally, through 

various education and outreach efforts [Recommendations 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3]. Activities included 

promoting recycling of plastic bags and other materials within EPA as a way to prevent marine 

debris, supporting public awareness campaigns and improving external outreach, and partnering 

with other organizations to promote events such as the International Coastal Cleanup. In addition 

to prioritizing prevention, EPA supported research efforts by developing a white paper to assess 

the methodologies used in the National Marine Debris Monitoring Program [Recommendation 

6.2] and exploring the development of a standardized marine debris monitoring protocol for use 

on EPA’s Ocean Survey Vessel Bold. Finally, response to debris already in the marine 

environment was promoted by several of EPA’s regional offices, which coordinated response 

activities ranging from implementing a Floatables Action Plan [Recommendation 5.1] to 

removing derelict crab traps and pilings to cleaning up disaster debris [Recommendation 5.3]. 

For more information on EPA’s Marine Debris Prevention Program, see 

www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/debris/. 

7 

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


3.2.2	 Department of Commerce – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

(NOAA) 

NOAA has taken a lead role in conducting marine debris research, assessment, and 

education and outreach activities. It has provided support for external entities to complement this 

work through grants and contracts and has focused particular effort on enhancing regional 

partnerships, holding workshops on technical marine debris activities to enhance collaboration 

and communication among stakeholders, improving education and outreach to inspire behavior 

change, and expanding research on the impacts of derelict fishing gear. 

A thorough overview of NOAA’s marine debris activities can be found on its website, 

marinedebris.noaa.gov, which received over 1,200,000 hits between June 2008 and June 2009. A 

large part of the website is dedicated to prevention techniques for different marine user groups. 

Recent NOAA prevention activities include an expanded partnership with the BoatU.S. 

Foundation, through which over 750 monofilament recycling bins have been made available 

across the nation for recreational fishermen to properly dispose of used fishing line. The Fishing 

for Energy (FfE) partnership of NOAA, Covanta Energy, the National Fish and Wildlife 

Foundation, and Schnitzer Steel provides East Coast and Oregon commercial fishermen free 

locations for the disposal of old fishing gear, which is then converted into energy 

[Recommendation 3.2]. In some locations, FfE also supports locally led removal activities. 

NOAA also supported debris removal through partnerships with states and 

nongovernmental organizations to leverage resources and local knowledge [Recommendation 

5.3]. Between 2005 and 2008, almost 1,500 metric tons of marine debris were removed. 

Research and development received increased attention, particularly the standardization 

of methodologies. Standardized monitoring protocols were developed for marine debris found on 

shorelines and in the water column. These protocols will facilitate long-term, statistically valid 

marine debris monitoring. A multi-year research project was started with the University of 

Washington Tacoma to develop protocols for collecting, sorting, and analyzing water and 

sediment for marine microplastics [Recommendations 6.1 and 6.2]. These protocols will be 

tested at other laboratories to ensure that future projects studying the abundance and contaminant 

transport of marine microplastics are valid and use comparable methods. 

NOAA held eight workshops between June 2008 and December 2009 to foster 

coordination [Recommendation 8.1]. These workshops focused on several topics, including 

microplastics, abandoned vessels, strategic planning in Hawaii, detecting and assessing the 

impact of derelict pots, and at-sea detection of derelict fishing gear in the Pacific. These 

workshops varied in intent, from assessing the state of knowledge in a field, to sharing best 

practices, to identifying and implementing new activities. Each workshop brought together 

relevant local, state, national, or international experts and produced proceedings documents. The 

proceedings were distributed to interested parties and will be made available through the 

Information Clearinghouse mandated by the MDRPRA. 

NOAA has established a partnership with the Republic of Korea to exchange information 

and ideas on marine debris, particularly derelict fishing gear. In other venues internationally, 

NOAA continues to raise the issue of marine debris and derelict fishing gear, to encourage 

discussion and implementation of solutions at the international level. NOAA established a 

Marine Debris International Committee in 2007 and approved an action plan in July 2008. 

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3.2.3 Department of Defense – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) 

In support of 2008 Recommendation 8.1, USACE participated in a NOAA-hosted 

Abandoned and Derelict Vessels Workshop for States in Miami, Florida. Other Federal agencies 

attending were the Coast Guard, FEMA, and FWS. The first four agencies, NOAA, USACE, 

Coast Guard, and FEMA, formed a federal panel, sharing their individual and unique authorities 

and responsibilities for marine debris (in the form of abandoned and derelict vessels) location, 

response, and removal. A number of states have ongoing programs and were able to share their 

successes and cautions with those states that do not have programs and are seeking to improve 

the marine environment within their jurisdictions. The candid interaction and communication 

among the states and with the Federal agencies involved was judged by all attendees to be a 

significant improvement in communication and cooperation. Having active Points of Contact 

within each state and Federal agency is a major step forward. 

Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, significant progress was made in determining 

Federal roles and responsibilities with regard to assisting states with the management of 

waterway debris. FEMA has recently drafted a “Disaster Assistance Policy: Debris Removal 

from Waterways” to articulate the types of Federal assistance that may be available following a 

disaster. The policy provides an overview of USACE and Coast Guard authorities for the 

removal of waterway debris and/or obstructions and provides guidance regarding the assistance 

that could potentially be provided by FEMA under the Robert T. Stafford Act. Also, in January 

2008, the National Response Framework was released and includes an updated “Public Works 

and Engineering Annex” with information on Federal capabilities for providing waterway debris 

management assistance. 

3.2.4 Department of Defense – Navy 

The United States Navy operates globally, and its Sailors spend significant amounts of 

time on, under, and over the surface of the Earth’s oceans. Navy personnel have a deep concern 

for the health and sustainability of the marine environment and seek better, more effective ways 

to prevent harm to their “second home,” in addition to helping to respond to existing problems. 

To reflect this mindset, Navy has focused its efforts at the organizational level on implementing 

means of preventing marine debris from entering the oceans [Recommendation 1.1]. At the local 

level, Navy has partnered with state and local authorities to assist in the removal of objects 

dumped into ocean waters [Recommendations 5.3 and 8.4]. Navy recently completed installation 

of plastic waste management equipment on all its submarines and is well on its way to installing 

upgraded plastic waste processing equipment on its entire surface fleet, which has had plastic 

waste processing equipment installed since 1998 [Recommendation 7.2]. In the past 18 months 

active duty and Navy Reserve personnel also partnered with civilian agencies using the 

Innovative Readiness Training program to provide assistance in removing debris such as derelict 

fishing gear and discarded tires from Honolulu Harbor, Puget Sound, and other locations 

[Recommendation 5.1]. 

3.2.5 Department of Homeland Security – Coast Guard 

The United States Coast Guard activities focused on prevention of marine debris 

deposition and response to debris already in the marine environment through compliance, 

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enforcement, and cleanups. The Coast Guard works with the international community through 

the IMO and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO); it also reaches out to the 

American public through the Sea Partners program. Coast Guard activities are described in more 

detail in Section 6 of this report. 

To ensure compliance with MARPOL, APPS, and associated regulations, Marine 

Inspectors inspect U.S. commercial vessels annually and examine foreign vessels through the 

Coast Guard’s Port State Control program. From 2008 to August 14, 2009, the Coast Guard 

performed MARPOL Annex V examinations onboard over 15,730 U.S. commercial vessels and 

over 21,800 foreign commercial vessels [Recommendation 2.2]. The Coast Guard ensures 

domestic alignment with MARPOL Annex V through the certification of facilities under the 

Certificate of Adequacy process (as of July 2009, the Coast Guard certifies 2,240 MARPOL 

Annex V facilities), annual facility inspections (17,657 as of July 2009), and harbor patrol spot 

checks [Recommendation 2.2]. The Coast Guard has increased the number of facility 

inspections; despite an increase in the number of waterfront facilities since 2006, there has been 

a decrease in facility pollution incidents. Section 6 of this report documents other achievements 

of the facility compliance program. 

When vessels or facilities are found to be non-compliant, the Coast Guard pursues 

various enforcement actions, as appropriate, including written warnings, monetary civil 

penalties, actions against mariner credentials, and criminal penalties. Between 2008 and 2009, 

Coast Guard undertook both criminal and civil enforcement actions for incidents of noncompliance. Non-compliance detected by the Coast Guard included falsification of oil and 

garbage record books and failure to record discharges. As a result of these actions, the Federal 

government was able to secure guilty pleas and the imposition of penalties; more information is 

located in Section 6. 

To provide a superior level of environmental protection, the Coast Guard works to 

improve the international agreements and implementing laws and regulations that it enforces. As 

described in more depth in the multiple-agency initiatives section (3.2) above, the Coast Guard 

has co-chaired the U.S. interagency working group that provided input to the MEPC 

Correspondence Group for the preparation of the report on the review of MARPOL Annex V. 

Additionally, the Coast Guard has coordinated, since June 2008, the IMO’s Flag State 

Implementation subcommittee correspondence group working on reception facility adequacy 

issues and has recommended the use of the recently approved Advance Notice and Waste 

Receipt Formats as well as proposed the adoption of a user guide for ships and reception 

facilities to better manage ships’ waste, including MARPOL Annex V wastes. The Coast Guard 

has also conducted MARPOL public meetings aimed at soliciting comment from stakeholders on 

improving MARPOL reception facilities at U.S. ports and has proposed a project to gather 

information on amounts, capacities, and costs for disposing of MARPOL wastes at port reception 

facilities [Recommendations 2.2 and 8.2]. 

The Coast Guard continued its involvement in debris removal efforts, including the work 

performed in support of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument partnership 

[Recommendations 5.3 and 1.2]. During the joint-agency effort in the Papahānaumokuākea 

Marine National Monument, (described in more depth in the multiple-agency initiatives section 

above, Section 3.2), the Coast Guard conducted three debris removal missions in the 

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, resulting in the removal of 64 metric tons of 

debris. This year, the Coast Guard has tripled the vessel hours allotted to District 14 (Hawaii) for 

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the Marine Environmental Protection mission. Coast Guard statutory removal missions and other 

interagency debris removal missions are noted in Section 6. 

3.2.6 Department of the Interior – Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) 

FWS focused its marine debris reduction, prevention, and cleanup activities primarily 

around its 180 ocean and coastal National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) that have the staff and 

volunteer capacity to address pervasive marine debris issues. The NWR System (NWRS) has 

locations in every state and territory and in U.S. possessions and works to contain, clean up, 

restore, and mitigate effects of existing marine debris as well as sources of marine debris and 

other improperly disposed of waste. NWRS priority activities focus on the four Report to 

Congress recommendation themes, primarily through volunteer-driven marine debris cleanup, 

research, and response to marine debris along coasts, watersheds, and nearshore waters. The 

NWRS’s national activities directly implement the 2008 recommendations through the following 

activities: distributing educational materials and supporting public awareness campaigns 

[Recommendations 1.1 and 1.2]; engaging with partners [Recommendations 1.3, 5.3, and 8.4]; 

sponsoring marine debris research and monitoring and sharing research findings 

[Recommendations 6.1 and 6.3]; and fostering exchange of information [Recommendation 8.1]. 

While many NWRs took part in structured, unstructured, and routine marine debris 

prevention and response activities, the NWR efforts are showcased at Midway Atoll NWR in the 

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Private, volunteer, and Federal partners at 

Midway Atoll NWR developed a statistically sound and biologically relevant marine debris 

monitoring protocol that will serve as the basis for a long-term monitoring program. It is based 

on the standards of the National Marine Debris Monitoring Program and has four components: 

scientific research, volunteer training, debris removal/disposal, and education [Recommendation 

6.1]. Its primary goal will be to characterize and quantify marine debris forms, sources, amounts, 

and temporal patterns in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, and contribute to 

the scientific community's understanding of how to design marine debris monitoring protocols 

for coastal ecosystems. Additionally, a removal and disposal plan for Midway Atoll NWR and 

the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument will be developed to counter the tens of 

tons of marine debris that annually wash up on their shores and reefs of the. 

3.2.7 Department of the Interior – Minerals Management Service (MMS) 

MMS continued to focus on marine debris prevention and response as a part of missionoriented responsibilities. Under prevention activities, MMS’s Alternative Energy Program issued 

a final rule for Renewable Energy and Alternate Uses of Existing Facilities on the Outer 

Continental Shelf. The rule includes a general prohibition on the discharge of pollutants, 

including marine trash and debris, into the ocean environment and a requirement to 

decommission and remove structures and equipment that could become marine debris 

[Recommendation 2.2]. MMS inspects facilities under its jurisdiction and enforces its regulations 

through written warnings, component and facility shut-ins, a Civil and Criminal Penalties 

Program, and by other means. MMS’s regional and district offices continued to enforce 

compliance with MMS marine debris–related pollution regulations [Recommendations 2.2, 4.1, 

4.2, and 8.4]. The MMS Gulf of Mexico Region worked closely with industry on marine debris– 

related projects to (1) assess best practices for preventing marine debris, (2) share information to 

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minimize marine debris, (3) leverage stakeholders’ participation in marine debris prevention 

efforts, and (4) develop marine debris awareness videos and web-based training modules to 

educate oilfield personnel and the public [Recommendations 1.2 and 8.4]. MMS also continued 

working with industry to conduct research and revise structural design standards and 

recommended practices to increase platform survivability and improve rig station keeping during 

hurricanes; these documents and revisions are being incorporated into regulations. The resulting 

technological improvements and regulatory revisions should help to reduce the threat of marine 

debris from regulated sources [Recommendations 2.2, 4.1, and 7.1]. 

Along with prevention, MMS’s regional and district offices focused on response to 

marine debris in the environment through cleanup activities ranging from removal of 

obstructions on the seafloor to the decommissioning and removal (or reefing) of hurricanedestroyed and end-of-life facilities. MMS regulations and notices require operators to address 

and remove structures, equipment, and obstructions on leases and within easements and rightsof-way following cessation of operations or prior to relinquishment. Of the 174 platforms 

destroyed by five major hurricanes since 2004, MMS has approved decommissioning plans for 

96 platforms, while industry has removed (or reefed) 46 structures and is working towards 

decommissioning and removing the remaining structures with approved plans 

[Recommendations 2.2 and 5.1]. 

3.2.8 Department of Justice (DOJ) 

DOJ has continued to address the problem of marine debris through judicial civil and 

criminal enforcement of environmental violations leading to marine debris. Agencies such as 

EPA, NOAA, and the Coast Guard refer cases to DOJ, where they are handled by the 

Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) working with the U.S. Attorneys’ offices 

[Recommendation 4.2]. 

For example, in June 2009, ENRD brought a civil suit on behalf of NOAA seeking 

compensation for natural resources damages resulting from the placement of hundreds of 

artificial lobster habitats, or casitas, by defendants David Dreifort and Denise Dreifort, in the 

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. In settling this case, the Dreiforts agreed to use their 

best efforts to market and sell two of their residential properties, and pay the net proceeds of 

these sales to the United States, up to a maximum of $1.1 million, to cover damages and 

response costs. 

Similarly, in October 2008, STX Pan Ocean Co., Ltd. (STX), pleaded guilty to violating 

the APPS by knowingly failing to maintain an accurate Garbage Record Book. The inaccuracy 

was a failure to record a dumping incident during which approximately six 55-gallon drums, 30 

plastic-lined rice sacks, and approximately 200 garbage bags containing contaminated grain were 

thrown into the ocean from the M/V Pan Voyager, a vessel owned and operated by STX. As part 

of the plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, 

the charged company agreed to pay a $500,000 fine and make a $250,000 community service 

payment to the FWS for use in projects to restore Puget Sound. Two senior officers of the M/V 

Pan Voyager also pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony for failing to notify Coast Guard 

inspectors of the false record book and were each sentenced to serve a one-year term of 

probation and payment of a $2,500 fine. In addition, the captain of the M/V Pan Voyager was 

sentenced to serve two months’ home confinement, followed by two years’ supervised release, 

for knowingly failing to maintain an accurate record book. 

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Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


Finally, DOJ enforcement of pollution laws such as the Resource Conservation and 

Recovery Act and the Clean Water Act, in addition to ocean dumping and natural resource 

damage provisions, addresses the problem of marine debris by targeting pollution that, while not 

directly released into the ocean, may migrate downstream and eventually contribute to such 

debris. 

3.2.9 Department of State (DOS) 

In DOS, the Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs and the Office of Marine Conservation 

work to address marine debris issues of an international or transboundary scope and to raise 

awareness of these issues within the international community. Among the forums where DOS 

has been active on these issues are the MARPOL Annex V discussions and, in concert with 

NOAA, various regional fisheries management organizations that address concerns regarding 

derelict fishing gear and related issues. In addition to fostering coordination on international 

activities, the DOS worked with the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute to assess opinions on 

abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear in the Caribbean. The results of this assessment will be 

shared with relevant stakeholders, including the IMDCC. 

3.2.10 Marine Mammal Commission (MMC) 

The Marine Mammal Commission focused attention on improving coordination of 

marine debris cleanup and disentanglement work to reduce mortality and injury of Hawaiian 

monk seals. Entanglement in derelict fishing nets in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is one of 

four major threats identified in the Revised Recovery Plan for Hawaiian Monk Seals, and to 

focus limited agency resources most effectively, MMC recommended that the National Marine 

Fisheries Service convene a meeting of high-level officials from those partner agencies 

participating in monk seal recovery to identify actions each agency could pursue to increase 

recovery efforts, including reduction of entanglement risks. Based on that recommendation, 

MMC is working with National Marine Fisheries Service, National Ocean Service, FWS, Coast 

Guard, National Park Service, and Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to develop 

an interagency memorandum of agreement outlining responsibilities and actions each agency 

will take to implement and strengthen joint recovery work for reducing marine debris 

entanglement risks and other major recovery threats [Recommendation 2.2]. MMC also responds 

to requests from researchers, the public, and the media on the impacts of marine debris on marine 

life, particularly marine mammals. 

4.0 NOAA Summary of Marine Debris Inventory 

In the MDRPRA (33 U.S.C. 1955), NOAA was charged with maintaining a “Federal 

information clearinghouse on marine debris that will be available to researchers and other 

interested person to improve marine debris source identification, data sharing, and monitoring 

efforts through collaborative research and open sharing of data . . .” Before maintenance can 

begin, the clearinghouse must be created. The MDP has undertaken the development of this 

clearinghouse, designed to function as a central point of access for information on marine debris 

for researchers and coastal managers. Over the past year, extensive research has been conducted 

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Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


into the many aspects of creating a useable and complete clearinghouse and database. Areas 

investigated include the following: 

 User groups 

 Content 

 Structure 

 IT requirements 

 Security 

 Metadata 

The structural and aesthetic design of the clearinghouse are being refined to integrate 

additional content and functions. Once research is complete, and content and structure have been 

finalized, the MDP will begin to build the clearinghouse. 

5.0 The NOAA Marine Debris Program, June 2005 to December 2009 

The NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP) was formally created in 2006, with President 

George W. Bush’s signing of the MDRPRA. However, as funding had first been received in 

2005, work to create the MDP began that summer. The mission of the MDP is to investigate and 

solve the problems that stem from marine debris through research, prevention, and reduction 

activities, in order to protect and conserve our nation’s marine environment and ensure 

navigation safety. The MDP conducts reduction, prevention, and research activities, as well as 

supporting grants, partnerships, and contracts to address marine debris. As this is the first Report 

to Congress on MDP activities, it covers the life of the MDP from 2005 to 2009. 

Since 2005 the MDP has funded over 150 projects internally and with external 

organizations, held 14 regional, national, and international workshops and meetings, and has 

coordinated the development of NOAA positions on a variety of issues related to marine debris. 

The MDP has positioned itself as a leader on marine debris issues within NOAA and the Federal 

community, including co-chairing the Federal Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating 

Committee. 

5.1 Program Administration and Structure 

The MDP is housed within the National Ocean Service (NOS), Office of Response and 

Restoration (ORR), which has received line-item funding for marine debris since 2005. In 2009, 

the Marine Debris Program became a division within ORR. Though part of ORR, the MDP 

draws on the expertise of the myriad NOAA offices that have an interest in addressing marine 

debris, including the NOS Offices of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management and of National 

Marine Sanctuaries; the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Offices of Protected 

Resources, Sustainable Fisheries, and Habitat Conservation and regional fisheries science 

centers; and the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office. 

In accordance with the Act, the MDP conducts research, prevention, and removal projects 

and outreach and education activities, which are implemented by NOAA itself or through grants, 

contracts, and cooperative agreements. The MDP has stationed staff in several locations around 

the country to manage, support, and coordinate marine debris activities to ensure outcomes are in 

line with NOAA needs, the MDP strategic plan, and the requirements of the MDRPRA. Regional 

staff work closely with local and state agencies, other NOAA offices and Federal agencies, 

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nongovernmental organizations, academia, private industry, and the interested public to identify 

key marine debris issues and then facilitate addressing them. This may occur through workshops, 

cleanup events, outreach events, or regular coordination meetings. 

Fiscal year 2009 was the first year in which funds were requested in the President’s 

Budget ($4 million). In previous years Congressionally directed funds were provided for the 

program (FY2005 through FY2008). The FY2009 enacted level for the program was $4 million 

and the FY2010 President’s Request continues the $4 million request for the program. The bulk 

of funds each year are used to support research, assessment, removal, and outreach projects, both 

by NOAA and in partnership with external organizations. 

Also in 2009, the MDP completed its first 10-year Strategic Plan (2009–2019). This plan 

identifies the six goals of the NOAA Marine Debris Program: 

1.	 Lead in the field of marine debris. 

2.	 Facilitate, support, and conduct research and assessment of marine debris. 

3.	 Prevent and reduce the occurrence and impacts of marine debris. 

4.	 Develop, use, and disseminate tools and products to improve efforts to address marine 

debris. 

5.	 Encourage changes in behavior to address marine debris. 

6.	 Develop and administer a dynamic workforce and program that support the MDP’s 

mission and goals. 

An overall MDP performance measure has been developed, based on this plan, to track 

the MDP’s success in addressing marine debris: Decrease marine debris impacts by X% on 

priority oceanic and coastal functions by 2020. The MDP is currently defining its business case 

and conducting research to determine the target of the X% variable. 

Though the target for this measure will only be achieved incrementally over many years, 

shorter-term measures have also been developed to guide activities and evaluate the more 

immediate successes of the MDP. 

In addition to holding workshops, coordinating activities, and working directly with 

partners, the MDP has also developed two funding opportunities for non-Federal entities to 

conduct removal, research, and prevention activities. The first funding opportunity, the 

Community-based Marine Debris Removal Project Grants opportunity, is administered by the 

NOAA Restoration Center, in cooperation with the MDP. These projects focus on marine debris 

removal, education, outreach, and engaging the public through cleanup opportunities. From 2005 

to 2009, 49 projects have been funded through this opportunity for over $4 million; the projects 

have leveraged over $5 million in match from non-Federal sources. 

The second funding opportunity is through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s 

Marine Debris Research and Technology Grants program. This program, with funding from 

MDP, funded 37 projects between 2005 and 2009, focusing on projects involving fishermen, 

ports, and marinas, expanding efforts to address derelict fishing gear, and research. Just over 

$2.3 million from NOAA has leverage over $2.9 million in match from non-Federal sources. 

Finally, to provide information to a wide variety of audiences, the MDP has developed an 

extensive website, marinedebris.noaa.gov, which receives over 140,000 hits a month. Available 

on the site are a range of materials for students, the general public, and ocean users, including 

recreational and commercial fishermen and boaters. A weekly newsletter is also sent by email to 

over 300 subscribers highlighting recent activities, project updates, and news stories about 

marine debris. Individuals can sign up for the newsletter via the MDP website. 

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Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


5.2 Program Activities 

5.2.1 Research, Assessment, and Understanding 

The MDRPRA charges the MDP with conducting research on both marine debris in 

general and derelict fishing gear (DFG) in particular. To understand the current state of 

knowledge of marine debris, in 2005 the MDP reviewed existing scientific and “grey” literature. 

Though some of the information was decades old, it demonstrated both an understanding that 

DFG poses an extreme threat to living marine resources and that quantitative research is still 

needed on the impacts of all types of marine debris to living marine resources and navigation 

safety. 

The first research projects funded by the MDP were on the impacts of DFG in 

Chesapeake Bay and Puget Sound. In Chesapeake Bay, the MDP was able to leverage the 

extensive resources of the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, whose researchers had noticed a large 

number of derelict blue crab pots during habitat mapping activities. The first project, to estimate 

the number of derelict crab pots in the Bay, led to a multi-year project and partnership with the 

Virginia Institute of Marine Science, which has quantified both lost gear and the impacts of lost 

gear on the crab population and fishermen’s livelihoods. Follow-on research is investigating how 

to construct a crab pot with a biodegradable panel that will render the pot unfishable after a 

certain amount of time in the water. Commercial and recreational fishermen are being brought in 

at the beginning of this research to ensure buy-in and encourage the acceptance of these new 

“green” pots once the research is complete. 

In Puget Sound, the Northwest Straits Commission (NWSC) had already been engaged in 

DFG removal for several years before the MDP was established. But with MDP support, the 

NWSC expanded beyond removal to also conduct research into the biological impact of derelict 

nets. Their findings demonstrated the “take” of animals by derelict nets is much higher than 

originally suspected because animals caught are quickly reduced to bones and fall out of the nets. 

By using derelict nets that had known loss dates, which allowed estimation of residence time, 

and collecting the bones under the net, a much more accurate impact assessment was done and is 

now available to other researchers studying the impacts of DFG to their species of interest. This 

project spanned several years, and a similar one focused on assessing the impacts of derelict 

Dungeness crab pots was also recently completed. 

In 2008, the MDP and NOAA Fisheries Observer Program began a collaboration in the 

Hawaii longline fishery to determine how often fishing vessels encounter marine debris in ways 

that impact their fishing effort. After successfully testing methodology, the partners are now 

working together to expand the project to other fisheries. Using data from these encounters, the 

MDP will be able to estimate the economic impact of marine debris to fishermen and potentially 

what kind of marine debris is the most damaging to them. 

Individual research projects funded through grant programs provided site-specific data on 

marine debris impacts in several national marine sanctuaries, including Gray’s Reef, Flower 

Garden Banks, Cordell Bank, and the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Several 

projects focusing on plastics in the North Pacific, studying both quantity and seabird impacts, 

have also been funded but results are not yet available. 

In 2008, the MDP reviewed all the research projects it had funded to date and realized 

that while answers had been found for several discrete questions in discrete areas, larger key 

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Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


marine debris–related questions had yet to be answered. Therefore, in 2009, research projects 

were chosen focusing on one DFG type: derelict pots (crab, lobster, fish). Projects are focused on 

assessing both the total number of derelict pots and the impacts of these pots to habitat and 

species (target and non-target). Projects chosen in 2009—in Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands, 

Alaska, North Carolina, and Massachusetts—in addition to projects completed previously, 

including in Chesapeake Bay, Puget Sound, and off North Carolina, will allow researchers, 

supported by the MDP, to publish findings on the impact of derelict pots throughout U.S. waters 

and draw conclusions that can benefit other areas not directly studied. These projects will 

continue in 2010. A new research question will be chosen to direct projects selected for funding 

in FY2011. 

5.2.2 Removal and Recycling 

Before the MDP was founded in 2005, NOAA removal activities focused on the 

Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (site of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument), 

because of the impact to the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal and coral reefs, and on 

South Carolina and Puget Sound, where removal of abandoned vessels and derelict fishing gear, 

respectively, was achieved through Congressionally directed funding. After funding was 

received from Congress for the MDP, removal efforts were expanded from the Northwestern 

Hawaiian Islands to include the Main Hawaiian Islands, and removal projects throughout the 

country were encouraged through the competitive NOAA Restoration Center grant program 

described above. Removal projects, focusing on large debris that is difficult for communities to 

remove on their own (and including derelict fishing gear), have taken place in 14 states and 

territories. Between 2005 and 2009, almost 1,500 metric tons of marine debris was removed with 

MDP funding. 

Though in most areas collected debris is taken to landfills, the derelict fishing nets 

recovered from throughout the Hawaiian Islands are converted into energy at a power plant that 

can safely burn marine debris, through an 11-member public-private partnership called “Nets to 

Energy.” This idea was brought to the mainland, where the “Fishing for Energy” partnership now 

has relationships with 13 ports in New England, New York, New Jersey, and Oregon. Both 

partnerships provide fishermen a no-cost, convenient location to dispose of fishing gear. Though 

not all the gear recovered at the mainland locations was derelict, the project partners are filling a 

gap identified by fishermen that was inhibiting the efficient disposal of old gear. Nets to Energy 

has converted over 685 metric tons of nets so far, and Fishing for Energy has recycled over 240 

metric tons. 

5.2.3 Prevention, Education, and Outreach 

The MDP’s prevention efforts have mainly centered on the development and 

dissemination of education and outreach materials and resources. These have been made 

available on the MDP website, marinedebris.noaa.gov, as well as at community events and 

conferences. These materials are free, downloadable from the website, and applicable to both 

traditional and non-traditional education. Materials include everything from a marine debris 

curriculum for grades K-12 to an educational poster for boaters on what can be legally disposed 

of at sea. The MDP has two dedicated coordinators focused specifically on these activities, one 

located in Silver Spring, Maryland, and the other in Honolulu, Hawaii. 

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Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


The focus of the MDP outreach and communication efforts is to communicate to both 

internal and external audiences to achieve the following objectives: 

1.	 Improve internal and external awareness and understanding of marine debris issues to 

foster stewardship of our oceans and coastal waterways. 

2.	 Improve awareness and understanding of the MDP, its mission, and its activities both 

within NOAA and to the general public. 

3.	 Raise awareness of marine debris issues among national and regional policy makers. 

4.	 Raise awareness and understanding of the MDP, its mission, and project activities 

specifically among national and regional policy makers. 

5.	 Become a widely trusted resource for marine debris information nationally and 

internationally. 

In 2005 and again in 2007, the MDP expanded its outreach efforts by entering into a 

partnership with NOAA Fisheries and The Walt Disney Company, along with the Ad Council, 

National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, DOI, and Environmental Defense, to enhance the Keep 

Oceans Clean Alliance through the release of two movies, a re-release of the popular Disney 

movie The Little Mermaid and its prequel, The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginnings. The project 

utilized the characters of each movie to provide a central focus on the importance of keeping our 

oceans clean by putting trash in its proper place, using reusable items, and recycling. The 

campaigns employed DVD inserts with specially produced educational information, billboards, 

radio and television public service announcements, and an updated website and web-based video 

game (www.keepoceansclean.org/). 

In 2009, the MDP expanded its resources to include a larger array of multimedia tools as 

well as new educational materials. In addition to traditional and targeted audience-specific 

products, the MDP has created five new videos, two video public service announcements, and an 

audio podcast available for download from the website. These videos are tailored to different 

user groups and cover a wide range of topics on the subject of marine debris. The MDP has also 

created a blog dedicated solely to marine debris issues to further expand this campaign effort. 

Additionally, in response to the public’s interest in and media’s attention to marine debris hot 

topics such as the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch” and plastics as marine debris, the MDP worked 

with researchers and experts in these areas to create a resource for accurate, up-to-date 

information on these topics. The information can be found on the website at 

marinedebris.noaa.gov/info/. 

5.2.4 Workshops and Conferences 

Workshops are a significant method through which NOAA is able to gather and 

disseminate research results and new information; identify marine debris issues; facilitate 

networking within the marine debris community within a state, region or nation; and encourage 

and support actions to address marine debris. The MDP has held several workshops since 2005. 

One of the first of these brought together the new program’s staff with key internal and external 

constituents. This workshop provided the background necessary for the MDP to set its course of 

action for the first two years. The workshop accomplished a review of old NOAA materials, 

research, and related information, established the two grant opportunities, and identified potential 

partners. 

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In 2008, the MDP began hosting workshops focusing on a range of topics. At the highest 

overview level, the MDP Information Forum in April 2008 brought in MDP-funded researchers 

from around the country to share their results on marine debris topics from survey methodology 

to removal techniques. Workshops on more focused topics included: 

 Reviewing the state of knowledge on the environmental impacts of microplastics with 

participants from the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia (September 2008, Tacoma, WA); 

 Developing a strategy for improving our capability to detect derelict fishing gear at sea 

(December 2008, Honolulu, HI); 

 Developing a methodology for detecting and assessing derelict crab pots in shallow and 

deep water (June 2009, Silver Spring, MD); and 

 Facilitating state response to abandoned and derelict vessels (September 2009, Miami, 

FL) 

A series of seven workshops in Hawaii culminated in a state-wide Hawaii Marine Debris 

Action Plan, creating a framework of results-oriented strategies needed to reduce marine debris 

impacts across the state. In early 2010, a final meeting will introduce the plan to Federal, state, 

and local leadership to garner support needed to implement the plan. 

In September 2009, the MDP conducted a workshop to summarize the Gulf of Mexico 

Marine Debris Project. The workshop focused on lessons learned and recommendations for 

addressing a future large-scale dispersion of marine debris, similar to the massive debris 

dispersion inflicted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The workshop, conducted in collaboration 

with Louisiana Sea Grant, generated proceedings that are available on the project’s website 

gulfofmexico.marinedebris.noaa.gov/ 

Workshops that the MDP has supported but not organized include: 

 Alaska Workshop on Marine Debris (February 2008); 

 Environmental Response Data Collection Standard Workshop (September 2007); 

 Marine Debris Solutions Workshop (November 2007); 

 New England Derelict Fishing Gear Workshop (November 2008); and 

 Potomac Trash Summit (2007, 2008, 2009). 

In 2009, the MDP also began planning the next international conference on marine 

debris. Four international marine debris conferences have been held since 1984. The last major 

conference was held in 2000. The MDP has stepped forward to lead the development of the next 

one, tentatively scheduled for late 2010 or early 2011. Other countries and international 

organizations have already expressed interest in participating. 

The MDP has organized and chaired sessions on marine debris at the following scientific 

conferences: Coastal Zone 2007 (technical session and café conversation), Pacific Congress on 

Marine Science and Technology 2007, Coastal Zone 2009 (two sessions, one in conjunction with 

EPA), and the 2009 Hawaii Conservation Conference. 

5.2.5 Partnerships 

Marine debris is a global issue, but priorities in addressing it vary widely across the 

world, nation, regions, states, and communities. Understanding these differences, the MDP 

engages in partnerships at different levels and with different entities to ensure that efforts in a 

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particular area are carried out at the most effective level. Many of these partnerships are 

mentioned in previous sections, but additional ones are discussed below. 

Internationally, an ongoing project with the Republic of Korea has led to an exchange of 

ideas on topics such as engaging fishermen in removal activities, assessing the impacts of marine 

debris to the shipping and fishing communities, and outreach techniques. Discussion takes place 

both over email and in person. The MDP has a less formal relationship with Australia, where 

marine debris is also an important issue, hosting visitors and exchanging current research results 

and related information. 

Nationally, partnerships with Ocean Conservancy and the National Marine Sanctuary 

Foundation have supported activities across the country. The MDP supports Ocean 

Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) with both funding and volunteers, as well its 

annual ICC Conference for state and country coordinators and the development of an online 

marine debris reporting database. The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and the MDP have 

jointly partnered with National Geographic (2006) and Disney (2007) to develop outreach and 

education materials that are distributed across the country in magazines, with movies, and on 

billboards. 

The Fishing for Energy project, also mentioned in the Removal and Recycling section 

(5.3.2), is another national partnership, composed of the MDP, National Fish and Wildlife 

Foundation, Covanta Energy, and Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. This partnership focuses on 

providing ports and fishermen with free disposal facilities, collection, and transport to suitable 

power plants for old and derelict fishing gear. Working together, the partners identify fishing 

ports across the country that have a sizable fishing fleet and may need disposal options, 

determine if their location makes them eligible, and then reach out to form the partnership. U.S. 

ports can also nominate themselves to become involved. Related port overhead costs for this 

partnership are low, and the partners recently established a grant opportunity to help ports and 

their partners expand their outreach, education, and other project-related activities. 

At the regional level, the Gulf of Mexico Marine Debris Project (August 2006 to 

November 2009) was a special activity within the MDP aimed at addressing the impacts of 

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita through the cooperation of NOAA, the U.S. Coast Guard, Alabama, 

Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Within NOAA, the 

project was a partnership between the MDP and NOAA Office of Coast Survey, supported with a 

total of $44 million in supplemental appropriations provided in FY2006 and FY2007 to address 

the impacts of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Designed to survey and map marine debris to assist 

with restoration of fishing grounds and ensure safe boating, the project surveyed over 1,550 

square nautical miles from Mobile Bay, Alabama, to the Louisiana-Texas border; located over 

7,000 debris items in offshore fishing and shrimping grounds impacted by Hurricanes Katrina 

and Rita; and conducted extensive outreach to inform fishermen, boaters, and the public of its 

efforts and products. The project's marine debris information is used by the Federal Emergency 

Management Agency and U.S. Coast Guard, in coordination with the states, to target the removal 

of hazardous debris. In July 2009, the project received an EPA Gulf Guardian Award for its work 

and partnerships in the region. 

Also regionally, the West Coast Governors’ Agreement highlighted marine debris as one 

of the issues affecting the health of their marine environment and the people whose lives depend 

on the ocean. The MDP is serving as vice-chair of the marine debris action team, helping to write 

and coordinate the team’s action plan and gather support for its implementation. 

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Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


As mentioned in the Workshops and Conferences section (5.3.4), the MDP has taken the 

lead in Hawaii to coordinate partners in developing a statewide action plan to address marine 

debris. Hawaii’s geographic position has the unfortunate distinction as a hotspot for the 

aggregation of marine debris. Many years of Federal and state efforts to address marine debris 

threats to the endangered Hawaiian monk seal have been supplemented by a variety of debris 

research, removal, prevention, and outreach activities undertaken by public and private sector 

organizations. The MDP coordinated meetings attended by 78 individuals representing over 40 

organizations. This plan, the first of its kind in the nation, will coordinate and guide investment 

in activities to reduce the impacts of marine debris across the entire Hawaiian archipelago. 

Also in Hawaii is the Nets to Energy project, which provided the idea for the Fishing for 

Energy partnership described above. Started in 2002 as a way to dispose of nets collected in the 

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, this project’s 11 partners also provide a free 

and convenient place for fishermen to dispose of old and derelict fishing gear. This partnership 

takes in all the derelict gear pulled from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument 

during its annual cleanup and gear collected during cleanups in the main Hawaiian Islands. 

Partnerships at the more local level include the following: 

 Extensive work with the NWSC in the Puget Sound to understand the impacts of 

derelict fishing gear to target and non-target species as described in the Research, 

Assessment, and Understanding section (5.3.1). 

 Partnership with Stellwagen Alive! in Massachusetts to support working with the 

Commonwealth and fishermen to allow derelict fishing gear to be recovered during 

planned cleanup events. 

 Cooperation with the Marine Conservation Alliance Foundation, funded by 

Congressional direction, to begin to understand the amount and sources of derelict 

fishing gear in Alaska. 

6.0 Review of Coast Guard Program 

Since the filing of its last report with Congress on the status of Coast Guard marine debris 

activities in early 2007, the Coast Guard has continued to play an important role in the 

prevention and reduction of marine debris. Here, the Coast Guard discusses the programs carried 

out between 2007 and 2009 which reflect its sustained commitment to the solution of this 

persistent problem. 

The Coast Guard combats sea-sourced marine debris by enforcing the vessel-generated 

waste provisions of MARPOL, APPS, and the regulations issued thereunder. The period between 

2007 and 2009 saw significant development of the Coast Guard waste reception facilities 

program. Through the continuance of its port state and domestic inspection programs, the Coast 

Guard ensured adherence to the discharge requirements of APPS and worked toward the 

successful prosecution of those who did not adhere to those requirements. 

Where the Coast Guard has statutory authority, Coast Guard Captains of the Port may 

remove vessels which pose a unique pollution risk. In furtherance of its commitment to 

environmental stewardship, the Coast Guard assists its interagency partners in the removal and 

identification of marine debris in areas of particular ecological concern. 

In addition to its operational activities, the Coast Guard works diligently to promote 

international action against marine debris. On behalf of the United States and, in cooperation 

with its co-chair (NOAA), the federal interagency working group on Annex V, the Coast Guard 

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provides important leadership at the IMO. Outside of the regulatory context, the Coast Guard 

cooperated with international counterparts to develop industry-wide, ship-generated garbage 

standards. 

The period between 2007 and 2009 saw the achievement of two additional key MDRPRA 

goals: NOAA/ Coast Guard joint regulation for the definition of the term “marine debris” and 

Coast Guard sponsorship of the National Research Council report Tackling Marine Debris in the 

21st Century. 

The Coast Guard continues to educate boaters and mariners about the environmental and 

legal consequences of marine debris deposition. The Coast Guard also promotes marine debris 

awareness among the regulated public through its Sea Partners outreach program. 

Taken together, the Coast Guard’s anti–marine debris activities are an essential part of the 

Federal government’s effort to combat the pervasive problem of marine debris. 

6.1 Compliance and Enforcement 

6.1.1 Ship-Generated Garbage: Waste Reception Facilities 

The Coast Guard maintains a robust compliance program to ensure the adequacy of waste 

reception facilities in U.S. ports and terminals and their ability to receive MARPOL Annex V 

wastes from oceangoing ships. These efforts contribute to the reduction of ship-sourced 

pollution, which is responsible for a portion of the marine debris in the oceans. The Coast Guard 

verifies that domestic waterfront facilities maintain the capability of receiving garbage and 

wastes from oceangoing ships through its Certificate of Adequacy (COA) program. The Coast 

Guard continues to monitor compliance through annual facility inspections and harbor and port 

spot checks. Criteria for determining the adequacy of garbage reception facilities and their 

compliance with MARPOL Annex V can be found in 33 CFR § 158.400. 

Through the Marine Information for Safety and Law Enforcement (MISLE) reporting 

system, the Coast Guard is able to track facility inspection activity levels. Since 2006, the Coast 

Guard has improved its ability to gather specific information on MARPOL reception facilities, 

including information relating to inspections, deficiencies, investigations, and pollution incidents 

directly connected to MARPOL Annex V waste streams. 

The 2007-2008 period has shown an increase in the number of facilities and facility 

inspections. Despite the increase in number of facilities, the number of reported pollution 

incidents has decreased during this time period. From the 2006 facility inspection baseline, 

reports from MISLE show that the Coast Guard facility inspections increased by 17% in 2007 

and 26% in 2008; these facility inspections included compliance checks on safety- and securityrelated requirements, as well as MARPOL V requirements. The number of MARPOL Annex V 

targeted inspections also rose by an average of 40% during the two-year period. Despite the 4% 

increase in the number of waterfront facilities since 2006, there was a 6% decrease in pollution 

incidents from 2006 to 2007, and a 9% decrease in the number of pollution incidents from 2006 

to 2008.2 

The Coast Guard continues its work to improve reception facilities. In 2008, the Coast 

Guard began work with the Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee Sub-committee on 

MARPOL in an effort to improve its COA program for certifying port/terminal reception 

facilities. The Coast Guard has issued updated guidance to field inspectors and investigators in 

2

 Data includes all pollution incidents, including those related to compliance with Annex V. 

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Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


the form of a MARPOL “job aid” (Appendix D) to further improve the effectiveness and 

thoroughness of the facility inspections. When allegations of inadequate reception facilities are 

received, the Coast Guard performs thorough investigations to ensure that each identified facility 

is in compliance with the regulations or is taking corrective action to come back into compliance. 

6.1.2 Ship-Generated Garbage: Shipboard Compliance and Enforcement 

The Coast Guard ensures compliance with U.S. regulations related to marine 

environmental protection through inspections and boardings. In fulfillment of MARPOL Annex 

V obligations, the Coast Guard inspects U.S. commercial vessels annually and examines foreign 

vessels through the port state control program. For recreational and commercial fishing vessels 

that are not required by law to be inspected, boardings (such as domestic fisheries protection 

activities, marine sanctuaries protection activities, and random “at sea” boardings) allow the 

Coast Guard to verify environmental compliance. In 2007, the Coast Guard performed MARPOL 

V examinations on more than 8,837 U.S. commercial vessels and more than 10,423 foreign 

commercial vessels; 2008 inspections included 8,793 U.S. commercial vessels and more than 

11,500 foreign commercial vessels. In 2007 and 2008, the Coast Guard conducted more than 

165,200 enforcement boardings. 

The Coast Guard assisted in the successful prosecution of two major illegal discharge 

cases. Coast Guard investigators detected falsifications of oil and garbage record books aboard 

the M/V Ocean Jade. STX Pan Ocean Co. Ltd. (STX) (operator of the M/V Ocean Jade) pleaded 

guilty to four felony offenses on April 24, 2009, including conspiracy, falsifying records, and 

making false statements, all of which were committed by crew members aboard the M/V Ocean 

Jade from July to October 2008. STX paid $2.2 million in penalties and will serve four years of 

probation for conspiring to falsify and falsifying environmental compliance records. The court 

also ordered STX to implement a detailed environmental compliance plan, including the 

monitoring of its fleet-wide operations for the next four years and the provision of training for 

crew members. STX also pleaded guilty to violating APPS by knowingly failing to maintain an 

accurate garbage record book on board the M/V Pan Voyager (another vessel owned and 

operated by the company). The company failed to record the disposal of six 55-gallon drums, 30 

plastic-lined rice sacks, and approximately 200 garbage bags containing oil-contaminated grain. 

Two senior officers pleaded guilty of failing to notify Coast Guard inspectors of the false 

document. The shipping line paid a $500,000 fine and made a $250,000 community service 

payment. The company agreed to a stringent environmental compliance plan with outside 

auditing. 

Additionally, the Coast Guard may proffer suspension and revocation charges against 

U.S. merchant mariners’ credentials for willful or negligent acts. Appendix E provides data on 

the number and type of MARPOL Annex V sanctions processed by the Coast Guard since 1991. 

6.2 Debris Removal 

6.2.1 Statutory Activities 

The Coast Guard’s primary responsibility for the removal of abandoned and derelict 

vessels on or adjacent to the navigable waters of the United States pertains to the prevention and 

mitigation of pollution related incidents. This includes not only the dumping or discharge of oil 

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Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


and hazardous substances, but also cases which pose a substantial threat of discharge. The Coast 

Guard’s authority for responding to these incidents falls mainly under two statutes: the CWA for 

oil and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act 

(CERCLA) for other hazardous substances not covered under the CWA. Under each of these 

authorities, the Coast Guard must determine that 1) the vessels are discharging substances or 

pose a substantial threat to discharge, 2) the responsible party is not mitigating or removing the 

pollution threat as required by law, and 3) the removal of a vessel is the best option to mitigate 

the incident. If the pollution can be mitigated from the vessel without its removal or destruction, 

this will be the primary option. The Coast Guard also has authority under the Abandoned Barge 

Act to remove abandoned barges under certain circumstances. When deciding upon the 

appropriateness of removal in the case of abandoned barges or other vessels, the threat of 

continued dumping is also considered. When a vessel could remain a possible location for 

continued dumping of oil or hazardous material, and additional damage to the environment 

and/or costs for cleanup would be incurred, vessel removal may be the most appropriate option. 

In cases where vessels do not pose a pollution threat, the Coast Guard coordinates with 

the USACE, NOAA, and state and local program managers to resolve and mitigate the incident. 

These often involve cases where vessels pose a threat to navigation, obstruct a navigable 

channel, or endanger protected or sensitive habitat. State authority is typically acted upon when 

neither Coast Guard nor USACE has authority, i.e., when a vessel is not located in a navigable 

waterway, does not pose a pollution threat, or is a barge less than 100 GT. When state authority 

is acted upon, local Coast Guard officials will monitor the status of the vessel and provide 

expertise to state and local officials to coordinate procedures for removal. The Coast Guard also 

participated in a NOAA-led abandoned and derelict vessel workshop to discuss vessel removal 

with state project managers. 

6.2.2 Marine Debris Removal Associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita 

Coast Guard operations in support of the 2005 Hurricanes Katrina and Rita marine debris 

removal efforts were conducted in four states under the auspices of the National Response Plan 

(NRP) (after January, 2008, the NRP was replaced by the National Response Framework 

(NRF)); these activities continued into 2009 and have the potential to continue into 2010. 

The normal NRF Emergency Support Function (ESF) for “Salvage and Debris Removal” 

is ESF-3, Public Works and Engineering. The lead agency for that type of support, if requested 

by an applicant in accordance with the required Presidential Emergency Declaration, is the 

USACE. In this specific instance, given the scope and effect of Katrina and the combined effect 

of Rita and Katrina (and, later, Wilma), USACE focused its disaster response and recovery 

efforts on its primary missions of navigation, flood risk reduction, and ESF-3 response and 

recovery activities. It utilized its resources to remove sunken vessels and other obstructions from 

or immediately adjacent to federally maintained navigation channels and to restore flood risk 

reduction features such as levees, floodwalls, and high-capacity, reliable pumping stations. Many 

of the marine debris removals overseen by Coast Guard after the 2005 hurricanes were outside 

authorized Federal navigation channels and were not impacting commercial navigation. This 

type of marine (wet) debris has since been discussed and considered as USACE, FEMA, Coast 

Guard, and other agencies refined eligibility criteria for Federal assistance under ESF-3. USACE 

can now address marine debris (wet debris) outside of an authorized Federal navigation channel 

if a Presidential Disaster Declaration is made (under the Stafford Act) and FEMA determines 

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that the wet debris needs to be removed from a channel or waterways it deems critical to local or 

regional area recovery. FEMA can give USACE the mission and funding to effect necessary wet 

debris removal. 

The term “marine debris” was redefined multiple times by the various individual state 

Mission Assignment (MA) writers and the individual project managers during the course of the 

work.3 Eventually, the mission was assigned to the Coast Guard in September of 2005 as ESF­

“Other” and related task orders. The Coast Guard removed vessels and other debris from various 

waterways and the Gulf of Mexico in four states.4

 Two states, Texas and Alabama, had lesser 

amounts of debris and funds expended for these activities. Mississippi and Louisiana had 

significant amounts of debris removed. Of those two, Louisiana was a significantly larger task; 

additionally, it presented substantial logistical and regulatory complications. 

Initially, costs were covered directly by funds obligated under the actual ESF-“Other” 

MA. Later, FEMA substituted various Inter-agency Agreements (IAAs) for the MAs in order to 

facilitate FEMA funding policy, but there is no substantive difference as it relates to the intention 

of this report, and the operations delineated below depict both MA- and IAA-funded activities. 

It is important to remember that these activities are initially cash-flowed using Coast 

Guard funds. Bills for removal of “authorized” debris and related costs were then submitted to 

FEMA for reimbursement; accordingly, documentation of Coast Guard “authorized” costs was 

and is of significant concern to Coast Guard budget personnel. 

There were three debris removal categories under these projects: 

1) vessels (inland) of all sizes and types, from large steel barges to small recreational 

vessels; 

2) trees, white goods (including household appliances), and construction/demolition 

debris such as houses, docks and other structures which were blown into the 

waterways (inland); and, 

3) materials of types 1 and 2 located in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. 

6.2.2.1 Removal Operations–Louisiana 

Removal operations in Louisiana consisted of the survey of 267 different waterways. 

Most waterways had both a surface survey by vessel with a multi-agency survey team and a subsurface sonar survey. The initial mission included survey and removal of vessels and non-vessel 

debris in 11 parishes. A total of 168,000 cubic yards of non-vessel debris was removed from 

those waterways during the first three phases of the removal operation. The current and final 

phase consists of the same type of work but adds 12 parishes to the area of work. Together, the 

23 parishes undergoing Phase 4 work span from the Mississippi border to the Texas border. The 

total mileage of surveyed waterways to date is 1,807 miles. 

During each phase, vessel removal was accomplished in the following stages: 1) the 

removal of large heavy vessels in major commercial waterways, 2) the removal of smaller 

vessels which were still large enough to have hazardous materials such as internal engines or fuel 

tanks, and 3) the removal of very small, primarily recreational vessels with a low probability of 

3

 It is important to note that use of the term marine debris is not synonymous with the NOAA-USCG rule 

promulgated 3 September 2009 defining marine debris; however, because marine debris is defined in that regulation 

as “For the purposes of the Marine Debris Research Prevention and Reduction Act only,” use of a different 

definition is appropriate in both contexts.

4

 No operations relating to 2008 Hurricane Gustav or Ike are addressed in the Coast Guard section of this report. 

25 

 

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


having hazardous materials. A total of 4,061 vessels were surveyed and tracked by the Coast 

Guard. Of those, 1,627 have been or will be removed and destroyed or returned to their owners. 

During the early stages of the response, the Coast Guard removed 59 vessels and/or 

debris piles directly from levees the USACE was repairing. These removals were paid for by the 

USACE in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the USACE and 

the Coast Guard created for that purpose. The Coast Guard performed this mission concurrently 

with its other missions because all of the available salvage assets were under contract to the 

Coast Guard and because the USACE focused its disaster response and recovery efforts on its 

primary missions of navigation, flood risk reduction, and ESF-3 response and recovery activities 

(as discussed in Section 6.2.2 above). 

In FY2006 and FY2007, NOAA received two supplemental appropriations to conduct 

sonar surveys off the coasts of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama to identify marine debris for 

removal in the nearshore areas. The session law language accompanying the Louisiana 

supplemental (FY2007) instructed NOAA to coordinate removal of any targets located in the 

offshore areas of Louisiana with the Coast Guard marine debris removal operations. Those 

surveys, which extend from the shoreline of Louisiana (depth of 4 feet) out to the designated 

state line (approximately 4 miles offshore) concluded on September 30, 2009. Teams made up of 

FEMA, NOAA, and Coast Guard will develop removal lists of “eligible” targets offshore and 

develop and administer a contract for the removal of those targets. Through 24 August 2009, the 

total expended by the Coast Guard from all accounts for Louisiana marine debris removal is 

$180,761,815 (3 MAs and 5 IAAs).5 

There are four removal contracts yet to be awarded, and there is an unobligated balance 

remaining in the final IAA of $15,353,565. The award of these contracts is imminent. All Coast 

Guard removal operations in support of the 2005 hurricanes will be completed within 120 days 

of the award of the largest of these four contracts. 

6.2.2.2 Removal Operations–Mississippi 

Removal operations in Mississippi followed the same essential paradigm as in Louisiana 

with the following notable exceptions: 

 All offshore removals were completed during their initial phases. All removal operations 

were essentially concluded during the spring/summer of 2008. 

 Because of the proximity of construction on or near the beach along the Mississippi 

coast, the non-vessel debris total was significantly higher than in Louisiana, but the 

removal was logistically easier than removal from remote bayous. 

A total of 384,000 cubic yards of non-vessel debris was removed in Mississippi. 

Mississippi operations were confined to the three coastal counties. A total of 503 vessels were 

surveyed in Mississippi. Of that total, 130 were “worked.” Twenty-four vessels had only the 

hazardous materials removed (fuel, oil, and batteries), and those operations were funded through 

ESF-10. Sixty-one vessels were removed and returned to their owners, and 45 vessels were 

5

 These costs do not include any funds expended for “Marine Debris” removal conducted under ESF-10, nor do they 

include the USACE removals covered by an MOU with the USACE. 

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destroyed. The total expended from all accounts for Mississippi “marine debris” removal is 

$51,887,537 (1 MA and 1 IAA).6 

6.2.3 Interagency Work in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument 

The Coast Guard continued its support of the marine debris removal partnership in the 

PMNM. In 2008 and 2009, Coast Guard buoy tenders and crews from District 14 (D-14) 

supported a total of three dedicated trips to retrieve derelict fishing gear in the 

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument chain. In the summer of 2008, Coast Guard 

Cutter (CGC) Walnut, a 225-foot buoy tender home-ported in Honolulu, partnered with NOAA 

and the University of Hawaii during the 18-day multi-agency removal effort. CGC Walnut 

conducted marine debris removal operations at Maro Reef, Kure Atoll, and Midway Island and 

retrieved more than 28 tons of marine debris; the crew returned the collected marine debris to 

Oahu’s Schnitzer Steel, which then processed and delivered it to H-Power on Oahu for 

conversion into island electricity. In the fall of 2008, CGC Kukui, also home-ported in Honolulu, 

removed four tons of nets and other debris from Kure Atoll in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine 

National Monument. The net retrieval mission performed by CGC Kukui crewmembers was in 

conjunction with State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources and National 

Marine Fisheries Service personnel. In July 2009, CGC Walnut teamed up with NOAA and the 

U.S. Army’s 7th Engineer Diving Team to remove more than 32 tons of derelict fishing nets and 

other refuse from the coral reefs in the PMNM. The Coast Guard facilitated this cleanup by 

entering into an MOU with the U.S. Army’s 7th Engineer Diving Team for the conduct of joint 

diving and marine debris removal operations in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National 

Monument. 

6.2.4 Interagency Work with the Army Corps of Engineers 

The Coast Guard and USACE continue to work closely at the national and local levels 

coordinating the removal of marine debris. Coordination among the agencies is essential to 

ensure maritime mobility and safety is maintained throughout our nation’s waterways. The 

USACE has the primary responsibility for removing wrecks and other obstructions from the 

navigable waters of the United States. While the Coast Guard may assist with this effort, and 

may take the lead when oil or hazardous material is involved, its primary responsibility is to 

ensure the proper navigational marking of the wreck or obstruction. As a member of the National 

Dredge/Regional Dredge Team (NDT/RDT), the Coast Guard is working with the USACE to 

consider development of a protocol for spill response/post–marine casualty dredging operations. 

The goal of the proposed protocol is to establish post-casualty dredging procedures in potentially 

contaminated areas, develop joint agency agreements, determine a range of contaminant sources 

and contents, and institute post-cleanup and long-term monitoring in order to study effects on the 

environment. The NDT plans to continue addressing this proposed protocol. 

6.2.5 Interagency Work with the Department of Defense Dive Programs 

6

 These costs do not include any funds expended for “Marine Debris” removal conducted under ESF-10, nor do they 

include the USACE removals covered by an MOU with the USACE. 

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In 2007, 11 Coast Guard divers from four separate Coast Guard Marine Safety and 

Security Teams participated in the removal of marine debris off the coast of Ft. Lauderdale, 

Florida. In conjunction with their fellow divers from the Navy and Army, Coast Guard divers 

worked to remove parts of a failed artificial reef that poses a unique threat to the marine 

environment. In 2009, the Coast Guard participants received an award from the Principal Deputy 

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. 

6.2.6 Interagency Work with NOAA for Marine Debris Tracking 

On an informal basis, Coast Guard District 17 (D-17) is providing assistance to NOAA 

by carrying ghostnet tracking buoys aboard Coast Guard vessels conducting High Seas Driftnet 

Enforcement patrols. The goal is to attach buoys to derelict nets encountered during patrols. The 

information collected from the buoys will allow researchers to both track the particular nets in 

order to facilitate future removal and improve debris transport models. Improved net tracking 

will assist in the removal of derelict nets before they threaten sensitive habitat or enter busy 

traffic lanes. 

6.3 International Activities 

At the IMO, the Coast Guard plays an important role in the promotion and maintenance 

of stringent international environmental standards. The IMO is the lead international 

organization for the development of the regulatory framework for the shipping industry. Its 

multinational decisions form the basis of member-state marine pollution enforcement regimes, 

including port state inspections, self-reporting, and recordkeeping. As head of the U.S. 

delegation, the Coast Guard works to advance a number of key environmental interests at 

meetings of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee. The Coast Guard and NOAA 

serve as co-chairs for the U.S. interagency group responsible for the review of MARPOL Annex 

V and the drafting of amendments for its potential revision. 

Through its Request for Comments (FR 74-39334) the Coast Guard is seeking comments 

from the public on the effects of implementing the special area discharge standards on vessel and 

reception facility operations when the Wider Caribbean Region special area comes into effect. It 

is also seeking recommendations from the public on how to efficiently transition from the current 

standards regulating garbage discharges to the special area discharge standards. 

The Coast Guard has also actively participated in the development of the ISO standards 

for reception facilities and handling of ships’ waste. 

6.4 Other MDRPRA Activities 

The Coast Guard and NOAA jointly promulgated the definition of “marine debris,” in 

fulfillment of our obligation under the MDRPRA. Marine debris is defined as follows: “for the 

purposes of the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act (33 U.S.C. 1951–1958 

(2006)) only, marine debris is defined as any persistent solid material that is manufactured or 

processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned 

into the marine environment or the Great Lakes.” In addition, the Coast Guard sponsored a 

National Research Council report titled Tackling Marine Debris in the 21st Century. 

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6.5 Outreach 

The Sea Partners Campaign is an environmental education and outreach program focused 

on developing community awareness of maritime pollution issues and improving compliance 

with marine environmental protection laws and regulations. 

Sea Partners has educated hundreds of thousands of children; it traditionally focused on 

elementary school–aged children. In FY2008, new materials were developed suitable for middle 

and high school audiences, which will permit the program to maintain a presence in schools 

through every grade level. Additionally, Sea Partners (in conjunction with the Coast Guard 

Auxiliary) has been correlating marine debris, oil spill, and invasive species subject matter with 

the national education standards. By having program materials correlated with the national 

education standards, teachers will be able to dedicate more classroom time to Sea Partners. 

Sea Partners continued in its effort to reach out to the maritime industry in FY2008. The 

program continued to spread the Sea Partners message through the following activities: 

appearances at boat shows, distribution of MARPOL placards to merchant mariners, distribution 

of placards with anti-pollution messages to marinas and boating communities, outreach to marina 

owners and operators and engaging them in the Clean Marina program, and outreach to local 

marine supply retailers. 

Volunteer hours have been reported through the Auxiliary database. In 2007, Sea Partners 

provided 5,625 hours of work (including outreach initiatives, Coast Guard interface with “clean 

marina” programs, national debris monitoring support, and waterways pollution detection and 

monitoring). In 2008, 4,427 hours were spent in outreach efforts, and thus far in 2009, the Coast 

Guard has spent 3,293 hours in community outreach 

7.0 Funding and Recommendations 

Section 5(c)(2)(E) of the MDRPRA requests an estimate of Federal funds spent on marine debris 

activities, as well as an estimate of non-Federal funding related to marine debris. The IMDCC 

has interpreted the requested non-Federal funding to be the required non-Federal match 

associated with the grants program outlined in Section 3(c)(2)(A) established under NOAA. 

Consistent with the timeframe of this report, the Federal agencies on the IMDCC provided the 

following information for fiscal years 2008 and 2009. 

Please note that many federal agencies conduct daily activities within multiple programs, offices, 

and projects that are indirectly related to marine debris efforts. They do not receive funding 

specific to marine debris in their annual appropriations but instead receive funding by missions 

or programs. This made it difficult to extract the exact funding amount related to marine debris 

within these integrated actions. Therefore, the exact amount of effort being expended to address 

marine debris could be higher or lower than the amounts reported here due to these integrated 

activities. 

29 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


Table 2: FY2008 to FY2009 IMDCC Agency Funding 

AGENCY FY2008 

FY2008 

nonFederal 

Match 

FY2009 

FY2009 

nonFederal 

Match 

General Activity 

Description Budget Line 

DOC/NOA $5,733,272 $2,241,858 $11,843,284 $3,039,890 research, removal, outreach Marine Debris, 

A and education, 

coordination, prevention, 

database development, 

partnerships, grants, 

contracts 

Coral Reef 

Conservation, 

National Marine 

Sanctuaries, ARRA, 

Habitat Restoration, 

Office of Marine 

and Aviation 

Operations 

DOD 

Navy $5,300,000 $5,700,000 Navy: upgrades and 

maintenance of solid waste 

equipment on ships. 

USACE $11,900,000 $10,800,000 Drift and debris removal Debris Removal 

Air Force $5,200,000 $12,700,000 Air Force: relocation of 

Alaskan near-ocean 

landfills farther inland. 

DHS/USCG <$180,481,0 

00

 <$201,857,0 

00* 

See Section 6 for a 

comprehensive discussion 

of Coast Guard activities. 

Marine 

Environmental 

Protection 

DOI

 FWS $1,900,000 $325,000 $1,850,000 FWS volunteer and staff 

programs: research, 

removal, outreach/ 

education, coordination, 

prevention, database 

development, partnerships. 

Wildlife and Habitat 

Management 

Midway Atoll 

Marine Debris 

Research and 

Cleanup Project 

MMS $50,000 + 

routine 

regulatory 

activities 

Routine 

regulatory 

activities 

MMS regulatory programs 

prevent and respond to 

marine debris at regulated 

facilities/operations on the 

OCS. 

DOJ Unable to provide a budget based on subject matter. 

DOS $150,000 $60,000 

EPA <$100,000 $100,000 monitoring and 

development of tools to 

assist other EPA programs 

to control marine debris 

sources; comprise agency's 

explicit 

support for addressing 

marine debris 

Marine Pollution 

MMC $0 $0 

* In order to display budget allocation by Mission-Program, Coast Guard uses an activity-based cost model that 

averages past expenditures to forecast future spending. Fiscal year 2009 enacted budget authority for the Marine 

Environmental Protection mission-program contributes in-part to marine debris activities in this table. Marine 

Environmental Protection Activities include enforcement of pollution protection regulations and marine pollution 

response, recovery and investigation. 

30 

 

Section 5(c)(2)(E) also requests the IMDCC provide recommendations for priority funding 

needs. Each year, the IMDCC sets priority activities for the Committee based on emerging 

issues, research results, and the priorities of the Administration and individual agencies. In the 

2008 Recommendations to Congress report, the IMDCC set four theme areas in which to work: 

(1) marine debris prevention, (2) response to marine debris in the environment, (3) research and 

development, and (4) cross-theme issues. The IMDCC reviewed this list in 2009 and intends to 

continue to focus on these areas in 2010, although individual agency priorities may focus on 

some subset of these themes depending on individual agency missions, authorities, and 

responsibilities. The primary purpose of the IMDCC is to serve a coordination role, ensuring as 

agencies move forward with their own priorities and partnering where appropriate that available 

resources are used in the most cost-effective manner possible. Accordingly, the IMDCC seeks to 

ensure that: 

 Effort and resources are not duplicated on the same projects, 

 Resources are leveraged where possible,
 

 Project results and information are shared across agencies, and 

 Effective and efficient activities are supported. 

31 

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


Appendices 

A. 2008 Recommendations 

B. Overview of the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 

C. Federal Authorities by Agency 

D. USCG MARPOL Reception Facility Inspection/Investigation Job Aid 

E. USCG MARPOL Annex V Violation Cases 

32 

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


Appendix A. 2008 Recommendations 

The following recommendations are from the 2008 IMDCC Report to Congress (National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2008 Interagency Report on Marine Debris Sources, 

Impacts, Strategies & Recommendations. Silver Spring, MD. 62pp.). 

MARINE DEBRIS PREVENTION 

1.	 Education and Outreach 

1.1: Federal agencies should demonstrate leadership by distributing educational 

materials to personnel on the sources and impacts of marine debris as well as methods for 

prevention, with the goal of reducing the federal contribution to marine debris. 

1.2: Federal agencies should support public awareness campaigns by providing 

technical expertise and educational materials and by encouraging private sector 

participation, when appropriate. These campaigns may target specific threats and 

audiences to address the diversity of the marine debris issue. 

1.3: Federal agencies should engage and partner with state, local, tribal and 

nongovernmental entities to support coordinated events, such as Earth Day, the 

International Coastal Cleanup, and other activities that have relevance to marine debris. 

These events should include nationwide educational and media outreach efforts to 

enhance awareness of sources and impacts of marine debris and to provide 

recommendations regarding specific actions that can be taken to prevent or reduce marine 

debris. 

2. Legislation / Regulation / Policy 

2.1: The IMDCC should review the findings from the National Academy of Sciences 

(NAS) study that will assess the effectiveness of international and national measures to 

prevent and reduce marine debris and its impacts, and federal agencies should take 

action, as appropriate. 

2.2: Federal agencies should seek ways to strengthen and enhance their ability to fulfill 

both regulatory and non-regulatory mandates for marine debris prevention, where 

appropriate. Table 2, which lists federal marine debris related authorities, may be used for 

review and assessment of existing authorities. 

2.3: The IMDCC should coordinate a correspondence group of state, local, and tribal 

governments to determine the marine debris–related authorities and policies at those 

levels, including both those that address land-based sources of marine debris and those 

that address ocean-based sources. The correspondence group will be an important 

component in the IMDCC’s gap analysis of regulatory and non-regulatory authorities that 

can be used to promote marine debris prevention. 

33 

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


2.4: Federal agencies, coordinating through the IMDCC, should review existing 

international policies and strategies regarding marine debris from both land-based and 

ocean-based sources, and develop a white paper outlining possible policies or actions for 

consideration by the United States. 

3. Incentive Programs 

3.1: Federal agencies should support voluntary, incentive-based programs that encourage 

communities to adopt environmentally responsible practices. Examples may include Heal 

the Bay’s “A Day Without a Bag” Program (a southern California non-profit 

organization) and the Clean Marina Program, an initiative involving federal agencies and 

state governments. 

3.2: Federal agencies should work with state, local, tribal, and nongovernmental entities 

to develop efficient recycling incentive programs for municipalities or appropriate 

venues. 

3.3: Federal agencies, where appropriate, should evaluate methods by which users of 

products that contribute significantly to marine debris can be given an incentive to select 

environmentally friendly alternatives or improve use of recycling infrastructure. Such 

incentive programs or pilot projects should include regular monitoring and evaluation of 

their effectiveness. 

RESPONSE TO DEBRIS ALREADY IN THE ENVIRONMENT 

4. Enforcement 

4.1: Federal agencies should continue to review enforcement authorities regarding 

marine debris and items that may become marine debris, enhance the effective use of 

those authorities as needed and appropriate, and ensure a coordinated approach to 

enforcement of relevant authorities. 

4.2: In appropriate cases, federal agencies should refer violations of federal law, such as 

the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, Clean Water Act, and Ocean Dumping Act, to 

the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice for 

civil or criminal enforcement action. 

5. Cleanups 

5.1: Federal agencies should work together and contribute to coordinated removal efforts 

of marine debris and items that can become marine debris in areas under federal 

jurisdiction, with priority given to heavily impacted areas. 

5.2: Federal agencies should examine how existing programs can be targeted to support 

difficult marine debris removal efforts. 

34 

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


5.3: Federal agencies should partner with state, local, tribal, and nongovernmental 

entities to continue to support and conduct cleanup efforts. 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 

6. Research 

6.1: Federal agencies, coordinating through the IMDCC, should sponsor and conduct 

research to characterize the nature of marine debris and further investigate reducing, 

mitigating, preventing, and controlling marine debris and assessing its impacts, with a 

particular focus on developing cost-benefit analyses for these actions. 

6.2: Federal agencies, cooperating through the IMDCC, should improve efforts to 

monitor marine debris, including shoreline, floating, and submerged debris, using lessons 

learned from previous federally funded monitoring efforts. 

6.3: The IMDCC should convene a special session at least once a year to share and 

discuss the latest research findings on marine debris, with summaries and identified gaps 

to be passed to the Subcommittee on Integrated Management of Ocean Resources 

(SIMOR) and the Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology (JSOST). 

6.4: Federal agencies, coordinating through the IMDCC, should sponsor and conduct 

research regarding the attitudes and practices of users of products that contribute to 

marine debris. In particular, such research should (a) investigate the willingness to alter 

attitudes and practices in a manner that would reduce marine debris; (b) identify 

preferences with regard to potential incentive programs and which types of incentives are 

most likely to produce positive responses; and (c) develop and test incentive programs 

intended to alter attitudes and/or practices among users of products that contribute to 

marine debris. 

7. Technology Development 

7.1: Federal agencies should partner with state, local, tribal, and nongovernmental 

entities to encourage the development of specific technologies that could prevent or 

reduce the amount of debris entering the marine environment or that could mitigate the 

impacts of marine debris on navigation, human health and safety, the economy, habitats, 

and species. 

7.2: Federal agencies should support research, technology development, and use of 

materials that will not persist in the marine environment. 

35 

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


CROSS-THEME 

8. Fostering Coordination 

8.1: Federal agencies should help sponsor and participate in workshops, conferences, and 

lectures that address issues related to marine debris and sources of marine debris to 

encourage the exchange of information that can inform the development of guidelines 

and implementation of actions to mitigate marine debris impacts. 

8.2: Federal agencies should participate in ongoing international activities to mitigate the 

impacts and reduce the amount of marine debris. Federal agencies also should support 

efforts to increase the awareness of such international marine debris efforts and 

encourage participation of other nations and international organizations in those efforts, 

as well as consider options for new international activities and initiatives to mitigate the 

impacts and reduce the amount of marine debris. 

8.3: The IMDCC should serve as a central point for coordination of federal efforts to 

develop new policies, strengthen existing policies, identify new research topics or 

projects, and address requests from Congress for specific information or actions related to 

marine debris. 

8.4: Federal agencies should pursue partnerships, as appropriate, with nongovernmental 

entities to develop, promote, and implement strategies for preventing, reducing, or 

mitigating the impacts of marine debris. 

36 

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


Appendix B. Overview of the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 

Table B.1 shows the overall drivers for federal agencies to address marine debris and 

lists, in a concise format, the related activities and outputs of each agency that sits on the 

IMDCC. The IMDCC’s outcomes are also included. 

37 

ACTIVITIES Table B.1. Overview of the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Comm

ACTIVITIES OUTPUTS 

Statutory and Regulatory Public Interest (e.g., news stories on Pacific Trash Gyre) Concern for ecological, human health and safety, economic, and social impacts 

Environmental Protection Agency MPPRCA, MPRSA, SPA, CWA, RCRA, PPA Address land- and ocean-based sources through solid waste, stormwater, non-point source, and ocean regulations, voluntary programs, and outreach. Department of Homeland Security - Coast Guard MPPRCA, APPS, DAA, SPA, MDRPRA Compliance and enforcement for ship-generated garbage. Department of State MARPOL Annex V and other relevant international agreements. Assistance to other countries on controlling land-based sources of pollution and derelict fishing gear. 

Department of Interior 

Fish and Wildlife Service 

 Reports on cleanups  ESA reports and mitigation action plans  Reports on refuge status and conditions 

Minerals Management Service 

 Issuance/enforcement of pollution prevention and control regula

warnings, fines, and facility/component shut-ins 

 Site cleanup/removal or reefing of hurricane destroyed/end-of-l Industry structural design standards/recommended practices re

incorporation of revisions into notices/regulations, to improve riensure platform survivability during hurricanes 

Environmental Protection Agency 

 Publications (BMPs, factsheets, reports) for municipal, industrial

audiences on solid waste, stormwater, and marine debris 

 Non-point source and marine debris prevention toolboxes  Research on marine debris found on beaches and in ocean 

Department of Commerce - National Oceanic and Atmospheric A

 Federal Information Clearinghouse  Research and assessment of marine debris impacts to living ma Topic-specific workshops for marine debris researchers and prac Nets to Energy and Fishing for Energy partnerships  Over 150 grants and contracts since 2005 

Department of the Interior 

Fish and Wildlife Service 

ESA, MMPA, DAA, NWRSA and NWRSIA, AFCA Cleanup of shoreline/nearshore habitats. Impacts on fish/wildlife resources and habitats. Management of National Wildlife Refuge and National Monuments. Minerals Management Service 

OCSLAA, OPA, EPAct Address marine debris from regulated facilities and operations through regulations, compliance, enforcement, voluntary programs, and partnerships with the offshore industry. 

Department of Justice Judicial enforcement of environmental violation. 

Department of State 

 Annex V revisions  Assistance to other countries on controlling land-based sources 

Marine Mammal Commission 

 Related research and management publications  Recommendations to Federal agencies on protecting/conserving  Distribution of information on biological impacts of marine debris 

Department of Commerce – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration MDRPRA, MPPRCA, MSRA, CZMA, ESA, MMPA, DAA, NMSA, CRCA Address marine debris through mapping, identification, impact assessment, removal and prevention, focusing on living marine resources and navigation. Reduce and prevent loss of fishing gear. Public outreach and education. Department of Defense 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

RHA, FCA Obstructions in navigable waterways. Navy Compliance with APPS for solid waste management and disposal of plastics from vessels. Preparation of vessels used as artificial reefs in accordance with Nat’l BMPs. 

Marine Mammal Commission MMPA Research and recommendations on impacts to marine mammals. 

Department of Justice 

 Fines and other penalties for marine debris/garbage violations 

Department of Defense 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

 Report on obstructions removed from navigable waterways 

Navy 

 Monitoring reports on vessels cleaned for reefing  Final report on vessel to reef projects 

Department of Homeland Security – Coast Guard 

 Certification of adequacy for port and waterfront facilities  Inspections aboard vessels to ensure compliance with ship-gene

regulations 

 Detection and investigation of ship-generated garbage violations  Annex V revisions 

DRIVERS 
 

 

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


Table B.2. IMDCC Overview Acronyms 

AFCA Anadromous Fish Conservation Act 

APPS Act to Prevention Pollution from Ships 

CRCA Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 

CWA Clean Water Act 

CZMA Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 

DAA Driftnet Act Amendments of 1990 

EPAct Energy Policy Act of 2005 

ESA Endangered Species Act of 1973 

FCA Flood Control Act of 1954 

MDRPRA Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act 

MMPA Marine Mammal Protection Act 

MPPRCA Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987 

MPRSA Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 

MSRA Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 

NMSA National Marine Sanctuaries Act 

NWRSA National Wildlife Refuge System Act of 1966 

NWRSIA National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 

OCSLAA Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and Amendments 

OPA Oil Pollution Act of 1990 

PPA Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 

RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act 

RHA Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 

SPA Shore Protection Act 

39 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


Appendix C. Federal Authorities by Agency 

Table C.1. Federal Authorities by Agency. Authorities listed are those that (1) explicitly mention 

marine debris in their authority; (2) address sources and items that may become 

marine debris (e.g., plastic, fishing gear, garbage); or (3) address entities that may be 

impacted by marine debris. An X in the last column indicates that the legislation has a 

regulatory component. 

Authority 

Explicitly 

mentions 

marine debris 

Addresses sources 

and items that 

may become 

marine debris 

Addresses entities that 

may be impacted by 

marine debris 

Regulatory 

Marine Debris Research, 

Prevention, and 

Reduction Act, 33 U.S.C. 

1951 et seq. 

NOAA, USCG 

Coral Reef Conservation 

Act of 2000, 16 U.S.C. 

6406(b)(3) 

NOAA 

Coastal Zone 

Management Act of 1972, 

16 U.S.C. 1456(b) 

NOAA 

Marine Plastic Pollution 

Research and Control Act 

33 U.S.C. 1914-1915 

EPA, NOAA EPA, NOAA, 

USCG 

Driftnet Act Amendments 

of 1990, 16 U.S.C. 1826 NOAA, FWS, DOS X 

Marine Protection, 

Research and Sanctuaries 

Act, 33 U.S.C. 1401– 

1445 (Ocean Dumping 

Act) Title I & II 

EPA X 

Shore Protection Act, 33 

U.S.C. 2603 EPA, USCG X 

Clean Water Act, 33 

U.S.C. 1346(f), 1342, 

1329 

EPA X 

Magnuson-Stevens 

Fishery Conservation and 

Management Act, 16 

U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

NOAA X 

Resource Conservation 

and Recovery Act, 42 

U.S.C. 6901 et seq. 

EPA 

Pollution Prevention Act 

of 1990, 42 U.S.C. 

13101–13109 et seq. 

EPA 

Act to Prevent Pollution 

from Ships (APPS), 33 

U.S.C. 1901 et seq. as 

amended by the Marine 

Plastic Pollution Research 

USCG X 

40 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


Authority 

Explicitly 

mentions 

marine debris 

Addresses sources 

and items that 

may become 

marine debris 

Addresses entities that 

may be impacted by 

marine debris 

Regulatory 

and Control Act 

Rivers and Harbors Act of 

1899, 33 U.S.C. 407, 409, 

414, 415 

USACE X 

Amended Section 2 of the 

Flood Control Act of 

1954, Sec. 208 

USACE 

An Act authorizing the 

construction, repair, and 

preservation of certain 

public works on rivers 

and harbors for 

navigation, and flood 

control, and for other 

purposes. P.L. 94-587, 

Sec. 202 

USACE X 

OCS Lands Act, 43 

U.S.C. 1331 et seq. and 

Amendments 43 U.S.C. 

1801 et seq. 

MMS X 

Oil Pollution Act of 1990, 

33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq. 

and E.O. 12777 

MMS X 

Energy Policy Act of 

2005, 42 U.S.C. 15801 et 

seq. 

MMS X 

National Marine 

Sanctuaries Act, 16 

U.S.C. 1431 et seq. 

NOAA NOAA X 

National Wildlife Refuge 

System Administration 

Act of 1966 & National 

Wildlife Refuge System 

Improvement Act of 

1997, 16 U.S.C. 668dd 

FWS 

Anadromous Fish 

Conservation Act, 16 

U.S.C. 757a et seq. 

FWS 

Endangered Species Act 

of 1973, 16 U.S.C. 1531 

et seq. 

NOAA, FWS X 

Marine Mammal 

Protection Act, 16 U.S.C. 

1402 

NOAA, MMC, FWS X 

41 

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


Appendix D. USCG MARPOL Reception Facility Inspection/Investigation Job Aid 

42 

 

 

MARPOL RECEPTION FACILITY 

INSPECTION / INVESTIGATION 

JOB AID 

Facility Name: 

Activity Number: 

MARPOL Annex: (circle ones that apply)

FIN: 

Date: 

I – Oil II - NLS V - Garbage 

CG Inspector: CG Inspector: 

Guidance for completing the MARPOL Reception Facility Inspection / Investigation Job 

Aid – Coast Guard facility inspectors shall complete the job aid by verifying the contents within 

are in line with the requirements as per 33 CFR 158 (NVIC 03-06, Enclosure (6) & CIM 

16450.29). Each inspected item contained in the checklist must be notated as one of the following: 

YES – Item meets requirements of this job aid and referenced regulations. 

NO – Item does not meet requirements of this job aid and referenced regulations or is missing altogether. 

N/A – Item does not apply to this facility.
 

United States Coast Guard MARPOL Facility Job Aid 

COMDT (CG-5442) Rev. 10/08
 
MARPOL RECEPTION FACILITY 

List of Acronyms 

APHIS Animal Plant Health Inspection Service 

BCH Bulk Chemical Code 

COA Certificate of Adequacy 

CoC Chain-of-Command 

COTP Captain of the Port 

DOI Declaration of Inspection 

DWT Dead Weight Tons 

EPA Environmental Protection Agency 

FRP Facility Response Plan 

IBC International Bulk Chemical Code 

L/O Lube Oil 

LOA Letter of Approval 

MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 

MISLE Marine Information for Safety and Law Enforcement 

MOA Memorandum of Agreement 

MOU Memorandum of Understanding 

MT Metric Tons 

NLS Noxious Liquid Substances 

NVIC Navigation & Vessel Inspection Circular 

OpsMan Operations Manual 

PIC Person-in-Charge 

PPE Personal Protective Equipment 

RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act 

United States Coast Guard i MARPOL Facility Job Aid 

COMDT (CG-5442) Rev. 10/08
 
 

 

 

 

 

MARPOL RECEPTION FACILITY 

Table of Contents 

Task Inspection Requirements Page 

Task 1.0 Administrative Items 1 

Task 2.0 Pre-Inspection Items – General Requirements (All) 1 

Task 3.0 Inspection Items - OIL (Annex I) (as applicable) 2 

Task 4.0 Inspection Items - NLS (Annex II) (as applicable) 3 

Task 5.0 Inspection Items - Garbage (Annex V) (as applicable) 4 

Task 6.0 Complete Administrative Items 5 

Task 7.0 Investigation / Enforcement Items (if warranted) 6 

Task 8.0 Complete Inspection / Investigation 8 

Task 9.0 Complete Post-Inspection / Investigation Items 8 

United States Coast Guard ii MARPOL Facility Job Aid 

COMDT (CG-5442) Rev. 10/08
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MARPOL RECEPTION FACILITY
 

Inspection Summary 

Task 1.0 Administrative Items 

1.1 Schedule Inspection ____ ____ ____ 

1.2 Review Files 

(a) Applicability of regulations ____ ____ ____ 

(b) History of deficiencies ____ ____ ____ 

(c) MISLE records ____ ____ ____ 

(d) Changes since last exam ____ ____ ____ 

1.3 Review / Verify 

(a) Alternatives / Exemptions (if applicable) (33 CFR 154.107 & 108) ____ ____ ____ 

(b) Operations Manual (154 Subpart B) ____ ____ ____ 

(c) Response Plans (154 Subpart F) ____ ____ ____ 

1.4 Prepare Inspection Plan 

(a) Generate Facility Inspection Activity in MISLE; and select 

appropriate MARPOL Annex (I, II, or V) under Sub-Activity type ____ ____ ____ 

(b) Review safe work practices for facility ____ ____ ____ 

(c) Prior to departing for the Facility: Conduct safety brief & have 

appropriate PPE ready ____ ____ ____ 

Task 2.0 Pre-Inspection Items - General Requirements (all) 

2.1 Applicability (158.110 & 158.133) 

(a) Oil ____ ____ ____ 

(b) NLS ____ ____ ____ 

(c) Garbage ____ ____ ____ 

2.2 COA’s Required (158.135) 

(a) Oil ____ ____ ____ 

(b) NLS ____ ____ ____ 

(c) Garbage ____ ____ ____ 

2.3 Application for COA (158.140) 

(a) Oil Date: _______________ ____ ____ ____ 

(b) NLS Date: _______________ ____ ____ ____ 

(c) Garbage Date: _______________ ____ ____ ____ 

2.4 Waivers and Alternatives (if applicable.) (158.150) 

(a) Letter of application Date: ______________ ____ ____ ____ 

(b) COTP waiver letter Date: ______________ ____ ____ ____ 

United States Coast Guard 1 MARPOL Facility Job Aid 

COMDT (CG-5442) Rev. 10/08
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MARPOL RECEPTION FACILITY
 

Y N NA 

2.5 Issuance & Termination of COA (158.160 & 158.170) 

(a) COTP ( in consult with EPA) issues approved COA – which is 

valid for 5 years unless; (33 USC 1905) Date: ____________ ____ ____ ____ 

(b) COTP denies the application in writing: Date: ____________ ____ ____ ____ 

2.6 

(c) Each COA remains valid until it’s expiration date- unless is: 

 Suspended; Revoked; or No longer applicable. 

Reception Facility Operation (158.163) 

____ ____ ____ 

(a) Full Compliance ____ ____ ____ 

(b) Copy of COA must be: (1) At port or terminal ____ ____ ____ 

(2) Available for inspection ____ ____ ____ 

2.7 

(3) Attached to Operations Manual 

COA Change of Information (158.165) 

____ ____ ____ 

(a) Notification in writing & within proper time frames ____ ____ ____ 

(b) Copy of notification maintained at port or terminal until corrected 

COA issued ____ ____ ____ 

Task 3.0 Inspection Items - Oily Mixtures & Residues (Annex I) 

3.1 General (158.200) 

(a) Holds all required local, state, and Federal permits. These may 

include one or more of the following: ____ ____ ____

 1) RCRA Subtitle C Hazardous Waste Permit – 40 CFR 270 

(issued by EPA or authorized state agency) ____ ____ ____

 2) State Solid Waste Management Permit (requirements and 

format vary) ____ ____ ____

 3) NPDES permit for storm water discharge/runoff (issued by 

EPA or authorized state agency) ____ ____ ____

 4) Local siting permit (requirements and format vary) ____ ____ ____

 5) Federal Hazmat Transportation permit – 49 CFR 105-180 

(permit required only for exceptions to regulations) ____ ____ ____ 

(b) Notice received within 24 hours ____ ____ ____ 

(c) Complete transfer of oily ballast water in less than 10 hours ____ ____ ____ 

(d) Complete transfer of other oily mixtures in less than 4 hours ____ ____ ____ 

3.2 

(e) Exception for ship repair yards before the ship departs 

Note: Review COA Form A (Oily Mixture) 

Crude Oil (158.210) 

____ ____ ____ 

Capacities: 

(a) Sludge from fuel and L/O processing: ________ (10 metric tons) ____ ____ ____ 

United States Coast Guard 2 MARPOL Facility Job Aid 

COMDT (CG-5442) Rev. 10/08
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MARPOL RECEPTION FACILITY
 

Y N NA 

(b) Oily bilge water: __________ (10 metric tons (MT) or 2 MT 

multiplied by the daily vessel average, whichever quantity is 

greater) ____ ____ ____ 

(c) Oily ballast: ___________ (30% DWT) 

3.3 Oil other than Crude or Bunkers (> 1000 MT) (158.220) 

____ ____ ____ 

Capacities: 

Sludge from fuel & L/O processing: ________(10 metric tons) ____ ____ ____ 

(a) Oily bilge water: _______ (10 metric tons (MT) or 2 MT 

multiplied by the daily vessel average, whichever quantity is 

greater) ____ ____ ____ 

) (b) Oily ballast: ____________ (30% DWT) ____ ____ ____

 (c) Cargo residue: ____________ (.2% of total cargo) 

3.4 Barge Terminals and Others (158.230) 

____ ____ ____ 

Capacities: 

(a) Sludge capacities: ___________ (10 metric tons) ____ ____ ____ 

(b) Oily bilge water capacities: __________ (10 metric tons) 

3.5 Ship Repair Yards (158.240) 

____ ____ ____ 

Capacities: 

(a) Ballast water from Bunker & Tanks / Tank washings: _________ 

(8% of bunker capacity) 

____ ____ ____ 

(b) Oily solids: __________ (.1% DWT) ____ ____ ____ 

(c) Oily ballast: __________(no less than1500 metric tons or 4.5% 

DWT) ____ ____ ____ 

(d) Solid oil cargo residue: ____________ ____ ____ ____ 

(e) Liquid cargo residue: Crude - not less than 1% 

 Black - not less than .5% 

White - not less than .2% ____ ____ ____ 

Task 4.0 Inspection Items - Noxious Liquid Substances (Annex II) 

4.1 General (158.310) 

(a) Holds all required local, state and Federal permits. These may 

include one or more of the following: ____ ____ ____

 1) RCRA Subtitle C Hazardous Waste permit – 40 CFR 270 

(issued by EPA or authorized state agency) ____ ____ ____

 2) State Solid Waste Management Permit (requirements and 

format vary) ____ ____ ____

 3) NPDES permit for storm water discharge/runoff (issued by 

EPA or authorized state agency) ____ ____ ____

 4) Local siting permit (requirements and format vary) ____ ____ ____ 

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5) Federal Hazmat Transportation permit – 49 CFR 105-180 

(permit required only for exceptions to regulations) ____ ____ ____ 

(b) Notice received within 24 hours ____ ____ ____ 

(c) Complete transfer of NLS residue within 10 hours ____ ____ ____ 

(d) Exception for ship repair yards before the ship departs 

Note: Review COA Form B (NLS) ____ ____ ____ 

4.2 Capacity & Exceptions (158.320) 

** NOTE: Review Enclosure (6) to NVIC 03-06, “Guidance on 

MARPOL Annex II Reception Facilities” 

(a) Facilities accepting cargo should use the following to determine 

adequate capacity: 

(i) Receiving category X cargoes: 

(1) Category X solidifying / high-viscosity - 75 cubic meters 

(19,810 gallons) ___________________ 

____ ____ ____ 

(2) Other category X cargoes - 50 cubic meters 

(13,210 gallons) ___________________ ____ ____ ____ 

(ii) Receiving solidifying / high-viscosity category Y cargoes - 

50 cubic meters (13,210 gallons) _________________ ____ ____ ____ 

(d) Ship repair yard capacity: ___________________ ____ ____ ____ 

4.3 Equipment at Ports and Terminals (158.330) 

(a) Capable of receiving only category Y or Z cargoes during 

stripping operations at an average flow rate of - 6 cubic meters 

(1584 gallons) per hour without the backpressure at the ship’s 

manifold exceeding 101.6 kPa (14.7 pounds per square inch 

gauge) pressure; and ____ ____ ____ 

(b) Instruction manual that lists the equipment and procedures for 

meeting part 158.330(a). The manual may be made part of the 

OpsMan that is required under 33 CFR 154.300. ____ ____ ____ 

Task 5.0 Inspection Items - Garbage (Annex V) 

5.1 General (158.410) 

(a) Receive within 24 hours of notice (APHIS regulated garbage) -- 

unless it only receives ships that: 

1) Operate exclusively within navigable waters of U.S. 

2) Operate exclusively between ports/terminals in the 

continental U.S. 

____ ____ ____ 

3) Operate exclusively between continental U.S. ports/terminals 

and Canadian ports/terminals 

(b) Receive medical waste or hazardous waste, or provide list of 

alternative transporters. ____ ____ ____ 

(c) Does not interfere with terminal operations. ____ ____ ____ 

(d) Conveniently located. ____ ____ ____ 

(e) Garbage cannot enter water. ____ ____ ____ 

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(f) Holds all required local, state, and Federal permits. These may 

include one or more of the following: 

1) RCRA Subtitle C Hazardous Waste permit – 40 CFR 270 

(issued by EPA or authorized state agency) ____ ____ ____

 2) APHIS regulated garbage per 33 CFR 158.410(a)(1) 

-- Approval letter from USDA Administrator or delegated 

authority (APHIS Executive Director) ____ ____ ____

-- Compliance Agreement 

3) State Solid Waste Management Permit (requirements and ____ ____ ____

format vary) 

4) NPDES permit for storm water discharge/runoff (issued by 

EPA or authorized state agency) ____ ____ ____

 5) Local siting permit (requirements and format vary) ____ ____ ____

 6) Federal Hazmat Transportation permit – 49 CFR 105-180 

(permit required only for exceptions to regulations) ____ ____ ____

 * Exception: A reception facility for a ship repair yard does not 

have to meet the requirement of 158.410(a)(1), if it has the 

capability of handling the transfer of garbage from a ship before it 

departs the yard.

 Note: Review COA Form C (Garbage) 

5.2 Capacity and Exceptions (158.420) 

Reception facilities that are capable of receiving all garbage from a 

ship that desires to discharge, except: 

(a) Large quantities of spoiled or damaged cargoes not usually 

discharged by a ship; or ____ ____ ____ 

(b) Garbage from ships not having commercial transactions with 

that port or terminal. ____ ____ ____ 

Task 6.0 Complete Administrative Items 

6.1 Verify the following: 

(a) COA for any COA Change of Information ____ ____ ____ 

(b) MOU / MOA / Agency Agreements / Contracts ____ ____ ____ 

(c) COTP Letter or Alternative Letter – Date: _____________ ____ ____ ____ 

(d) Operations Manual ____ ____ ____ 

(e) PIC Contact information is current and correct ____ ____ ____ 

(f) Facility Waste Management Plan available ____ ____ ____ 

(g) Waste Reception Facility Signage (if required) is in place ____ ____ ____ 

6.2 Examine the following: 

(a) All required local / state / federal waste disposal permits ____ ____ ____ 

(b) Copies of signed DOI’s, waste manifests, transfer logs ____ ____ ____ 

(c) Verify a tracking system is in place and that capacity & time 

criteria are being met ____ ____ ____ 

(d) The facility’s waste stream logs (for wastes from vessels) ____ ____ ____ 

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6.3 Verify the following: 

(a) Maintenance, test records and permits are current/in place for 

on-site disposal equipment ____ ____ ____ 

(b) Facility personnel training records are up to date (IAW local, 

state, and federal regulations on worker safety & health in 

regard to waste handling operations at facility) ____ ____ ____ 

(c) Waste disposal subcontractor meets all permitting requirements 

with no exceptions ____ ____ ____ 

Task 7.0 Investigation / Enforcement Items (if warranted) 

7.1 Administrative Items: 

Open a MISLE Activity associated with the Facility MARPOL 

Investigation / Enforcement actions taken. 

7.2 COTP to conduct investigation when: 

(a) The facility failed to provide adequate reception of MARPOL 

wastes for any reason. 

(b) The results of a Facility Inspection indicate discrepancies in the 

following: 

1) Facility waste stream logs (for waste streams from vessels) ____ ____ ____ 

2) Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifests ____ ____ ____ 

3) DOI’s required to be completed for transfers of liquid waste ____ ____ ____ 

(c) Inadequacies at reception facilities are reported by Masters, 

Owners or Operators of vessels IAW 33 CFR 158.167 such as: 

1) Time delays ( not providing reception facilities w/in 24 hrs of 

a vessel’s request) 

2) Arrangements (not allowing simultaneous transfer of cargo 

while offloading MARPOL regulated wastes) 

3) High costs (unreasonable rates based on local market 

conditions) 

** A report of inadequacy is received by the IMO that is made by a 

foreign flag vessel either directly, from the Flag State Administration, 

or through an agent or industry association. 

(Note: HQ monitors IMO Reports of Inadequacy at reception 

facilities and will pass information to COTP / Investigators through 

the CoC). 

This list is not all inclusive, and other discrepancies may result 

in cause to conduct an investigation 

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7.3 Conduct of MARPOL Investigation: 

(a) Investigators should attempt to determine the following 

information regarding the Port/Terminal and the vessel: 

Note: Investigators should be discreet so as not to alert the port or 

terminal to the name of party making the allegation prior to making 

any determination regarding the report of inadequacy. 

1) Name and Flag of Vessel making the report ____ ____ ____ 

2) Date of occurrence ____ ____ ____ 

3) Name and Location of the Port ____ ____ ____ 

4) COTP Contact Info ____ ____ ____ 

5) Time of Arrival of Vessel at the Port/Pier/Terminal ____ ____ ____ 

6) Time that MARPOL Services were requested ____ ____ ____ 

7) Name of the Terminal/Pier Operator and POC information ____ ____ ____ 

8) Name of reception facility operator in the case of a subcontractor for mobile waste reception services provided by a 

third party such as a truck or barge ____ ____ ____ 

(b) Investigators should review and/or obtain copies, if required, of 

the following types of documentary evidence: 

1) OPS Plan (as submitted with COA Application) ____ ____ ____ 

2) Copy of Arrival Notice/Request for MARPOL services 

showing date/time of request for services ____ ____ ____ 

3) Copy of Receipt for MARPOL services showing date/time of 

services and amount/type of discharge ____ ____ ____ 

4) Copy of DOI for transfer of liquid wastes showing date/time 

of transfer (including type, start-stop times, and volume) ____ ____ ____ 

5) Copy of Hazmat Manifest, if required and as generated by 

facility or sub-contractor accepting MARPOL wastes for 

transport and /or disposal ____ ____ ____ 

6) Review of required local, state and Federal permits: 

--RCRA permitting and record keeping (Generally found 

under; 40 CFR 260-262, 264-265, 270 & 273) is 

administered by EPA regional and State offices. COA 

holders at US ports are required to hold permits as 

generators of wastes collected from ships and stored, 

transported or disposed of. 

____ ____ ____ 

--Investigators should examine permits as applicable ____ ____ ____ 

--RCRA permit holders are required to generate a Uniform 

Waste Manifest indicating the source, type, amount and 

disposition along with other information, of such wastes 

that are stored, transferred, and or disposed of. Relevant 

copies of such manifest should be made available to 

investigators. Two types of Uniform Waste Manifests are 

for Hazardous Waste and for Non-Hazardous Waste and 

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should cover all shipboard generated wastes discharged to 

reception facilities. ____ ____ ____ 

--Sub-contractors who hold a COA and service multiple port 

facilities must also comply with all permit requirements. ____ ____ ____ 

--Mobile facilities, barges, trucking waste haulers must also 

meet all requirements. ____ ____ ____ 

7.4 Enforcement Process: (if warranted) 

(a) Letter of Warning 

(b) Notice of Violation (CIM 5582.1 series) 

(c) Suspension of COA (maybe considered for egregious offenses) 

(158.170) 

____

____ 

____ 

____

____ 

____ 

____ 

____ 

____ 

(d) Document results, include corrective actions taken, and forward 

via memo thru CoC, to Commandant (CG-5442) ____ ____ ____ 

Task 8.0 Complete Inspection / Investigation 

8.1 Complete inspection results prior to leaving the facility to 

include: 

(a) Inspection report 

(b) Review the report with facility representatives 

(c) Explain inspection results/discrepancies 

(d) Discuss possible enforcement options (if necessary) 

(e) Obtain signatures of representative 

____ 

____ 

____ 

____ 

____ 

____ 

____ 

____ 

____ 

____ 

____ 

____ 

____ 

____ 

____ 

Task 9.0 Complete Post-Inspection / Investigation Items 

9.1 Complete all required MISLE entries (per unit policy): 

(a) Ensure validity of data entered into MISLE 

(b) Ensure appropriate MARPOL Annex is selected as well 

____ 

____ 

____ 

____ 

____ 

____ 

9.2 Initiate enforcement actions (if necessary). ____ ____ ____ 

9.3 Complete the physical Information survey. ____ ____ ____ 

9.4 Schedule re-inspection (if necessary). ____ ____ ____ 

9.5 Update facility file. ____ ____ ____ 

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Inspection Summary 

Discrepancy Description Cite Corrective Action Due Date 

Comments: 

USCG Inspector Facility Officer 

(Printed name & title) 

(Signature) 

(USCG Unit) 

(Printed name & title) 

(Signature) 

(Date signed) 

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Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


Appendix E. USCG MARPOL Annex V Violation Cases 

Table E.1. MARPOL Annex V (33 CFR 151.51 – 151.75): Violation Cases Pursued by the U.S. Coast Guard by 

Cite 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 33CFR151.53 - Special Areas 1 33CFR151.55 - Recordkeeping 3 2 1 49 17 2 5 4 1 1 2 33CFR151.57 - Management Plans 269 322 396 407 220 160 99 72 64 51 67 55 90 83 65 33CFR151.59 - Placards 302 318 410 632 440 245 198 162 156 98 96 100 233 130 146 33CFR151.63 - Shipboard Control 16 27 35 35 28 4 4 6 2 1 2 3 1 33CFR151.63(a) - Person in Charge 2 3 1 4 33CFR151.65 - Reporting 1 1 33CFR151.66 - Operating Regs 11 18 28 16 19 7 3 1 4 10 2 1 33CFR151.67 - Discharge of Plastic 25 115 173 118 58 60 24 10 18 11 3 2 4 5 1 33CFR151.69 - Outside Spcl Areas 8 6 1 1 1 1 2 1 33CFR151.71 - Within Spcl Areas 1 1 33CFR151.73 - Disch from Platforms 1 33CFR151.75 - Grinders 1 Total 626 811 1050 1259 784 479 334 258 245 172 172 162 331 220 219 

56 

Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee 


Table E.2. MARPOL Annex V Violation Citations. 

56 

Gary Locke 

Secretary, U.S. of Commerce 

Jane Lubchenco, PhD 

Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator 

David Kennedy 

Acting Assistant Administrator, Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management 

NOAA Ocean Service