Brian Barton
Ocean pollution is a pressing issue that threatens marine wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. It arises from various human activities, such as littering, poor waste management, and runoff from land-based sources like septic tanks, farms, and industrial facilities. To combat this, several organizations and agencies have dedicated themselves to safeguarding the oceans. These include non-profit organizations like The Ocean Cleanup, which utilizes innovative technologies to extract plastic pollution from oceans and rivers, and The Ocean Conservancy, which has been working globally to protect marine environments since 1972. Additionally, government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States play a crucial role in regulating ocean dumping, protecting natural resources, and collaborating with other agencies to address marine pollution emergencies. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is another key player, providing educational resources and promoting international action on marine debris and ocean pollution. These agencies and organizations work tirelessly to protect our oceans and mitigate the detrimental effects of pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Agency | Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
| Aim | To protect human health and the environment |
| Location | Washington D.C. |
| Regional Offices | 7 coastal offices (Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9 and 10) |
| Programs | Ocean Dumping Management Program |
| Act | Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) |
| Affiliated Organizations | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) |
| Other Affiliated Organizations | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service |
| Non-profit Organizations Working Towards Similar Goals | Ocean Conservancy, The Ocean Cleanup, Sea Life Trust, Surfrider Foundation |
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What You'll Learn
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The EPA works with other federal, state, and local agencies to address marine pollution issues that arise during and after large-scale emergencies, such as hurricanes, oil spills, and tsunamis. The EPA's Regional Offices provide localized support and implement permits for the responsible disposal of wastes and other materials in the oceans, such as vessel disposal or burials at sea. In rare cases, these offices may issue emergency, research, or special ocean dumping permits.
The EPA also works with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to protect the ocean from the disposal of dredged material that is unsuitable for the marine environment. The EPA and USACE monitor vessels transporting dredged material to ensure it is not leaking or spilling, and that disposal activities are conducted properly. The EPA is responsible for designating ocean disposal sites and managing the times, quantities, and characteristics of materials disposed of at these sites to minimize potential impacts on the marine environment.
In addition to its work on ocean pollution, the EPA also has initiatives to improve land development practices, create economic opportunities, and provide affordable neighborhoods. The EPA's Smart Growth Program encourages development strategies that protect human health, create economic growth, and provide affordable housing options. The Brownfields Program provides grants and tools to local governments for the assessment, cleanup, and revitalization of brownfields, resulting in the revitalization of thousands of acres of land and the creation of numerous jobs.
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Ocean Conservancy
The organization also emphasizes the importance of monthly donations to become an official Ocean Partner. These donations support continuous research and advocacy on critical issues, including climate change and plastic pollution. Ocean Conservancy's work involves addressing various forms of ocean pollution, such as plastic waste and risky drilling practices, to ensure a healthier ocean for future generations.
One of Ocean Conservancy's focuses is on protecting marine life, including sharks and sea turtles. They highlight the importance of clean beaches and waters for the survival of sea turtles, which have inhabited the ocean for over 100 million years. Additionally, they collaborate with Discovery's Shark Week to raise awareness and protect sharks during the summer celebration.
Through initiatives, advocacy, and community engagement, Ocean Conservancy strives to address the challenges facing the ocean and find solutions that ensure its long-term health and sustainability.
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The Ocean Cleanup
The river system consists of a variety of floating barriers and extraction systems anchored within rivers or at river mouths. As of June 2025, The Ocean Cleanup has removed over 30 million kilograms of trash from rivers and the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a plastic accumulation zone with over 100,000,000 kilograms of plastic. The organization estimates that “1% of the world's rivers (~1,000 rivers) are responsible for 80% of the pollution in the world's seas" and aims to deploy its river systems in these rivers.
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is an American scientific and regulatory agency that deals with a variety of oceanic and atmospheric issues. NOAA's responsibilities include forecasting weather, monitoring oceanic and atmospheric conditions, charting the seas, conducting deep-sea exploration, and managing fishing and protection of marine mammals and endangered species within the US exclusive economic zone.
NOAA's history can be traced back to multiple agencies, some of which date back to the early years of the federal government. These predecessor agencies include the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey (formed in 1807), the Weather Bureau of the United States (formed in 1870), and the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries (formed in 1871, with only a research fleet). The Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA), which was formed by consolidating several existing scientific agencies, is considered the most direct predecessor of NOAA.
NOAA's administrative headquarters is located in Silver Spring, Maryland, and houses over 40 sub-agencies and offices, including the National Weather Service. The agency is led by the Chief of Staff, who also serves as the Acting Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator.
NOAA's research is conducted through the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) and is crucial to the development of environmental products and services that protect life and property and promote economic growth. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), also known as NOAA Fisheries, was established in 1871 with the primary goal of researching, protecting, managing, and restoring commercial and recreational fisheries, their habitats, and protected species. NMFS has a vast network of offices, science centers, and laboratories dedicated to the research and management of marine resources.
The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps is a dedicated group of men and women who operate NOAA ships and aircraft and serve in scientific and administrative roles. They are responsible for the deployment of NOAA's assets and the execution of its missions.
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US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS or FWS) is a federal government agency within the Department of the Interior. It is the only federal agency whose primary responsibility is to manage fish and wildlife resources in the public trust for current and future generations. The USFWS oversees the management of fish, wildlife, and natural habitats in the United States, working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance these resources for the benefit of the American people.
The history of the USFWS can be traced back to 1871 when the United States Commission on Fish and Fisheries (commonly known as the United States Fish Commission) was created by the United States Congress. The Commission's purpose was to study and recommend solutions to the noted decline in food fish stocks. Over time, the Commission evolved into the USFWS as we know it today, with a broader mandate to protect and manage all fish, wildlife, and their habitats.
The USFWS has a wide range of responsibilities and focus areas. It manages over 560 National Wildlife Refuges, 70 National Fish Hatcheries, numerous regional and field offices, and thousands of active conservation projects across the country. The USFWS Refuge Law Enforcement consists of professional law enforcement officers who protect natural resources and public safety. Federal Wildlife Officers ensure compliance with wildlife laws, promote the survival of species, and safeguard the environment.
The USFWS also operates the Clark R. Bavin National Fish and Wildlife Forensic Laboratory, the only forensics laboratory in the world dedicated to wildlife law enforcement. This laboratory plays a crucial role in identifying species, determining causes of death, and providing evidence to support wildlife crime investigations. Additionally, the USFWS administers permit systems for certain activities, such as the Native American religious use of eagle feathers, balancing cultural practices with species protection.
The USFWS works in collaboration with various partners and agencies to fulfil its mission. For example, it has worked with the Peruvian National Police to dismantle transnational wildlife trafficking organizations and restore stocks of river herring along the Eastern Seaboard. The USFWS also coordinates domestic and international efforts through its International Affairs Program, fulfilling its responsibilities under treaties such as CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
In summary, the USFWS plays a vital role in managing and protecting fish and wildlife resources in the United States, with a focus on conservation, law enforcement, and international cooperation. Through its various programs, refuges, and partnerships, the USFWS strives to ensure the continuing benefit of these resources for present and future generations.
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Frequently asked questions
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for handling ocean pollution in the US. The EPA works with other federal, state and local agencies to address marine pollution issues.
Some examples of non-governmental organizations that handle ocean pollution are The Ocean Conservancy, The Ocean Cleanup, The Sea Life Trust, and The Surfrider Foundation.
Some sources of ocean pollution are littering, poor waste management practices, stormwater discharge, extreme natural events, oil spills, and nonpoint source pollution (runoff from septic tanks, vehicles, farms, etc.).
