A bill to address the problem of debris in the ocean, “The Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act” (S.362, H.R. 3692), was introduced in US Congress earlier this year.  The bill establishes a Marine Debris Prevention and Removal Program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to “reduce and prevent the occurrence and adverse impacts of marine debris on the marine environment and navigation safety.” 

     At press time, COA was invited by US Representatives Gilchrest (R-MD-1) and LoBiondo (R-NJ-2), at the request of US Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-6), to testify before a joint legislative hearing of the Subcommittee on Fisheries and Ocean and the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation on September 29.  COA will present information on the successful implementation of the Floatables Action Plan, which is a marine debris control program currently operating in the NY/NJ region.  This regional program relies on multi-agency cooperation to identify and recover debris before it leaves NY/NJ Harbor, and to remove slicks and debris from area beaches.