FINAL BILL REPORT

SSJM 8027

BYSenate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Metcalf, Owen, Smith and Bailey)

Urging the reduction of plastic wastes in the Pacific Ocean.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

AS PASSED LEGISLATURE

BACKGROUND:

The amount of plastic debris being found washed up on beaches and at sea has increased dramatically in the last ten years.  A recent survey of debris in the North Pacific Ocean indicated that 86 percent of all man-made material was plastic.  While there has been no world-wide conclusive research done concerning the total impact of plastic debris on wildlife, there have been numerous cases where death and serious injury have occurred because of plastic materials.  Animals, including seabirds and marine mammals, either ingest plastic material or get it wrapped around them in such a way that it eventually incapacitates them or makes them easier targets for predators.

In 1984, an effort to address plastic pollution was begun by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which consists of numerous countries from around the world.  The organization decided to amend the IMO, an international "Convention" relating to pollution from ships, commonly known as MARPOL, and enacted in 1973.  The purpose of the convention was to commit various countries to practice anti-pollution activities when on the high seas.  Annex V of the convention is directed specifically to marine plastics pollution and restricts dumping of materials overboard and establishes refuse discharge limitations.

In order to become a party to the Annex, the United States Congress enacted a law last year that prohibits most dumping of material overboard in U.S. and international waters.  The law also requires ports of call to have adequate facilities for handling solid waste from ships.  The Coast Guard was given the responsibility to administer the new law, but did not get additional funding for it.

Some have advocated that the law could be strengthened by designating "sensitive" waters in the U.S. including the coast of Washington and the Gulf of Mexico.  Because of population, industry, and tidal action, Washington's coastal waters attract more marine debris than most other waters in the world.  Also, there has been an effort to strengthen the law.

SUMMARY:

The United States Congress and the President are asked to continue and strengthen implementation of the recently enacted law making the U.S. a signatory to the International Convention Relating to Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex V.

Congress and the President are asked to encourage nations that have not yet signed the International Convention agreement to do so.  A comprehensive education program for ocean going commerce and fishing vessels is asked to be implemented.  Additionally, the congress and the President are asked to reallocate Coast Guard funds to provide more monies from the existing agency allocation vigorously to pursue implementation of the law relating to marine plastics dumping.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    48     0

      House 92   0