NOAA Mandates on Marine Debris
NOAA has a number of mandates that require the agency to address marine debris. These include, but are not limited to:
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Marine Debris Research, Prevention and Reduction Act - Legally establishes the NOAA Marine Debris 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.
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Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 (pdf, 36kb) - States that NOAA must "provide assistance to States in removing abandoned fishing gear, marine debris, and abandoned vessels from coral reefs to conserve living marine resources"
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Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (pdf, 440kb) - Regulates ocean dumping and monitoring and takes into account the aesthetic properties of the National Marine Sanctuaries in regards to marine debris.
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Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (Section 309)
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Marine Plastic Pollution Research Control Act - Deals with outreach and education and pollution from ships
