Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act of 2006
On December 22, 2006, President Bush signed into law the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act, which legally establishes the NOAA Marine Debris Program. The Act sets a $10M authorization for NOAA for implementation of the program, including mapping, identification, and impact assessments, removal and prevention activities, research and development of alternatives to gear posing threats to the marine environment, and outreach activities. The Act also re-establishes the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee which NOAA co-chairs. This committee reports to the Subcommittee on Integrated Management of Ocean Resources (SIMOR) within the new ocean governance structure.
Download the Act (pdf, 54kb)
