Wayne Gilchrest: “Mr. Speaker, S. 362, the Marine Debris Research, Prevention and Reduction Act, was introduced by Senator Inouye of…”

“Mr. Speaker, S. 362, the Marine Debris Research, Prevention and Reduction Act, was introduced by Senator Inouye of Hawaii and was passed by unanimous consent in the Senate in July last year. The bill would enhance the Federal Government's capabilities to remove and prevent the creation of marine debris that is derived from ocean-based activities. Marine debris degrades very slowly, is highly buoyant and can be carried thousands of miles by ocean currents. Marine debris poses significant entanglement threats to many marine organisms, including fish, crabs, birds and marine mammals and can have serious consequences on human health. The bill would require the establishment of a Marine Debris Prevention and Removal Program with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to coordinate that agency's existing activities and requirements to reduce the impact of marine debris on the environment and navigation safety. The bill also would require the Coast Guard to implement measures to improve compliance and enforcement of laws and international agreements regarding the discard of plastics and garbage from vessels.”