Meghan Hodges
Ocean pollution is a pressing issue that requires collective efforts from governments, organizations, and individuals alike. While various states and agencies are actively working to address this problem, some notable examples include the work of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The EPA, through its Regional Offices, implements measures to prevent and manage ocean dumping, ensuring the responsible disposal of wastes and addressing marine pollution during and after emergencies. Additionally, the EPA collaborates with other federal and state agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to combat nonpoint source pollution, which accounts for a significant portion of ocean pollution. The USACE, in partnership with the EPA, shares responsibility for protecting the ocean from the disposal of dredged material. Meanwhile, independent organizations like The Ocean Cleanup and Ocean Blue Project are also making significant strides in tackling plastic pollution and raising awareness about the importance of clean oceans. These organizations work globally and nationally to remove plastic waste, intercept riverine pollution, and engage local communities in their mission to protect marine life and ecosystems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| US government organizations tackling ocean pollution | US EPA, NOAA, USACE, US Department of Agriculture |
| EPA's responsibilities | Designating ocean disposal sites, managing EPA-designated ocean disposal sites, issuing permits, regulating and managing ocean disposal of dredged material |
| NOAA's responsibilities | Studying the impacts of microplastics and harmful contaminants in seafood, monitoring seafood contamination, providing safety tips, developing the Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring System, providing educational resources |
| Other organizations | Ocean Blue Project, The Ocean Cleanup |
| Ways to help | Use less water, choose non-toxic chemicals, dispose of herbicides/pesticides/cleaning products properly, choose sustainable seafood, buy less plastic, use fuel-efficient vehicles, choose energy-efficient light bulbs, follow "catch and release" practices, volunteer for cleanups |
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What You'll Learn
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Ocean Dumping Management Program
The EPA's Ocean Dumping Management Program is a crucial initiative aimed at protecting and preserving ocean and coastal resources. This program involves the EPA's Headquarters and seven coastal Regional Offices (Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and 10). The program works to prevent or limit the dumping of any material that could harm human health and the marine environment. The EPA Regional Offices provide localized support and implement the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) permits for the responsible disposal of wastes and other materials in the oceans.
Regulation of Ocean Disposal Sites
The EPA is responsible for designating ocean disposal sites for various materials, including dredged material and fish wastes. The management of these sites is crucial, as it involves regulating the times, quantities, and characteristics of the disposed materials. The EPA establishes disposal controls, conditions, and requirements to minimize potential impacts on the marine environment. Sites are carefully monitored to ensure compliance with permit terms and to prevent any degradation of human health or the environment.
Collaboration with Other Agencies
The EPA collaborates with other federal, state, and local agencies to address marine pollution issues, particularly during and after large-scale emergencies such as hurricanes or oil spills. They work closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to regulate and manage the ocean disposal of dredged materials. Additionally, the EPA partners with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Coast Guard to address marine debris and pollution from ships.
Implementation of Laws and Regulations
The EPA enforces several laws and regulations to protect ocean and coastal environments. This includes the Clean Water Act, which establishes standards for wastewater and water quality, and the BEACH Act, which focuses on protecting public health at coastal recreation waters. The EPA also implements the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act (MPPRCA), studying the effects of improper plastic disposal and working to reduce marine plastic pollution.
International Cooperation
The EPA engages in international cooperation to address marine pollution on a global scale. They work with foreign nations, industry partners, and non-governmental organizations to align international decisions and management of marine pollution issues with the EPA's mission. The EPA has also developed an International Marine Litter Toolbox to guide countries in tackling marine litter and improving solid waste management.
The US Environmental Protection Agency's efforts are vital in the fight against ocean pollution, and they continue to work towards protecting and preserving our precious marine environments.
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
NOAA was formed on October 3, 1970, and its administrative headquarters has been located in Silver Spring, Maryland, since 1993. The campus is home to over 40 NOAA sub-agencies and offices, including the National Weather Service. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), also known as NOAA Fisheries, is a key component of NOAA, with a primary goal of researching, protecting, managing, and restoring fisheries and their habitats. NMFS operates offices, science centers, and laboratories across the United States and its territories, dedicated to the research and management of marine resources.
NOAA's research is conducted through the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) and is the foundation for environmental products and services that protect life, property, and promote economic growth. The organization also has a Commissioned Officer Corps, a uniformed service that operates NOAA ships and aircraft and serves in scientific and administrative roles.
NOAA works with other agencies, such as the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture, to address ocean pollution. They collaborate to monitor, assess, and limit nonpoint source pollution, which is a significant issue affecting coastal areas and shellfish-growing waters. NOAA's Coastal Zone Management Program assists coastal states in developing special nonpoint source pollution control plans. Additionally, NOAA designates marine sanctuaries to protect biologically, culturally, and historically significant resources, such as the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary.
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Ocean Blue Project
The Ocean Blue Project is a Virginia-based national nonprofit organisation dedicated to protecting the world's oceans, beaches, and rivers. Founded by father-and-son tribal members of the Choctaw Nation, the project has a vision of conserving the world's ocean, beaches, and rivers as pristine, self-sustaining ecosystems where wildlife and human communities can coexist and thrive.
The organisation works across 15 states in the USA, with a focus on removing microplastics from the ocean. They collaborate with hundreds of thousands of volunteers and donors to fund plastic recovery projects and implement simple, community-driven solutions to plastic pollution. Ocean Blue Project's cleanup efforts include working with over 6000 beach cleanup volunteers and using boats to remove plastic pollution from the ocean, preventing it from ending up in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
The project also aims to address the broader issues of ocean pollution and habitat preservation by cleaning the ocean floor and conducting scientific research to better understand plastic pollution and its impact on marine life. In addition to their cleanup and research efforts, the Ocean Blue Project prioritises youth education and service-learning projects to empower the next generation to take action and make a positive impact on the environment.
The Ocean Blue Project is just one of many initiatives working to address ocean pollution. Other efforts to protect the oceans from pollution include those led by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which works with other federal, state, and local agencies to address marine pollution issues. The EPA's Regional Offices manage designated ocean disposal sites, regulating the times, quantities, and characteristics of materials disposed of to minimise impacts on the marine environment. Additionally, the EPA and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) collaborate to protect the ocean from the disposal of dredged materials and other unsuitable substances.
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The Ocean Cleanup
In October 2019, The Ocean Cleanup unveiled a new barrier called the Interceptor, specifically designed to intercept river plastic. The Interceptor has been deployed in several locations, with varying levels of success. In Jakarta, Indonesia, flooding broke the barrier of Interceptor 001, but it was replaced with a newer, stronger model. In Guatemala, The Ocean Cleanup initially faced challenges with their Trashfence Interceptor due to strong river currents, but they returned with a new design anchored to the riverbank, which successfully removed 10,000,000 kg of trash in its first year.
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Individual actions to reduce pollution
While some US states are taking steps to address ocean pollution, such as California's recent ban on single-use plastic products, individual actions are also crucial in reducing this pollution. Here are some ways individuals can help combat ocean pollution:
Reduce Plastic Consumption and Properly Dispose of Plastics
Single-use plastics are a significant contributor to ocean pollution. Refuse any single-use plastics you don't need, such as plastic bags, straws, and disposable utensils. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives like cloth bags, stainless steel water bottles, and containers. When using single-use plastics, recycle them properly to keep them out of the ocean.
Cut Down on Waste and Choose Sustainable Seafood
Try to reduce your overall waste and properly dispose of herbicides, pesticides, and cleaning products to prevent runoff pollution, which accounts for 80% of marine pollution. Choose sustainable seafood to support environmentally responsible fishing practices.
Conserve Water and Energy
Use less water to minimise excess runoff and wastewater from flowing into the ocean. Also, choose energy-efficient options like fuel-efficient vehicles, carpooling, and biking, and energy-efficient light bulbs to reduce your carbon footprint and pollution.
Support Environmental Policies and Organisations
Support and advocate for policies that address ocean pollution, such as legislation banning unnecessary single-use plastic items. Get involved with organisations dedicated to ocean conservation and participate in beach and community clean-up initiatives.
Practice Responsible Outdoor Activities
If you enjoy outdoor activities like boating or fishing, follow "catch and release" practices to keep more fish alive. Anchor in sandy areas away from coral and sea grasses to avoid damaging sensitive habitats. Respect "no wake" zones to minimise erosion and protect marine life.
Remember, individual actions are essential, but also encourage businesses and governments to implement larger-scale solutions to combat ocean pollution effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
The EPA works with other federal, state, and local agencies to address marine pollution issues. They also work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to monitor vessels transporting dredged material to ocean disposal sites and ensure that the disposal activity is conducted properly.
Yes, there are several non-profit organizations actively working to combat ocean pollution. The Ocean Cleanup, for example, is a non-profit organization developing and deploying technologies to rid the oceans of plastic. The Ocean Blue Project is another non-profit organization working in 15 states across the USA to remove microplastics from the ocean.
The Global Plastics Treaty is an international agreement that aims to address the issue of plastic pollution. It involves collaboration between governments, public and private entities, and civil society organizations to work towards clean oceans.
Nonpoint source pollution is a type of pollution that comes from many small and large sources, such as septic tanks, vehicles, farms, and forest areas. It is a significant contributor to ocean pollution, as contaminants flow into waterways and oceans during rainstorms, making river and ocean water unsafe for humans and wildlife.
Individuals can make a difference by reducing their use of plastic, properly disposing of waste, choosing sustainable seafood, using fuel-efficient vehicles or alternative modes of transportation, and volunteering for beach and river cleanups.
