The United States Coast Guard’s mission is to ensure our Nation's maritime safety, security and stewardship. Marine debris can be a threat to navigable waterways, the environment, and marine resources. The Coast Guard works with port facilities, the maritime industry, and the international community to prevent the introduction of marine debris into inland and coastal waterways, and the high seas. In response to natural disasters, the Coast Guard works with Federal and State authorities to ensure that our ports and waterways remain navigable, secure and ready for operation. The Coast Guard exercises a wide array of domestic and international authorities through centralized headquarters offices in Washington DC, down to operational facilities and vessels throughout the world.