Most people would agree that ocean pollution, especially from plastics, is a growing crisis that threatens marine life.
The Save Our Seas Act offers a comprehensive solution by expanding protection for vulnerable ocean habitats while also reducing plastic waste.
This article will explain the key provisions of the Save Our Seas Act, detail how it combats plastic pollution through research and enforcement, and assess the act's effectiveness in advancing marine conservation thus far.
Introduction to the Save Our Seas Act and Its Evolution
The Save Our Seas Act was signed into law in 2018 to address the growing problem of plastic pollution in our oceans. This law aims to research, reduce, and respond to the threats posed by marine debris.
Understanding the Save Our Seas Act of 2018
Marine plastic pollution has become an escalating global crisis, with over 8 million metric tons entering the oceans each year. The Save Our Seas Act was introduced in response to shocking statistics like this. Key facts that led to its passage include:
- Plastic makes up 80% of all marine debris from surface waters to deep-sea sediments
- Over 700 marine species are negatively impacted by plastic pollution
- Plastic waste causes $13 billion in economic damage to marine ecosystems each year
By funding targeted research and cleanup programs, the Act seeks to curb these impacts.
Exploring the Major Provisions and Scope of the Marine Debris Act
The key components of the Save Our Seas Act are:
- The Marine Debris Program: Provides $10 million per year to NOAA for debris removal and prevention education.
- Cleanup Efforts: Supports trash removal innovation challenges and funds cleanup non-profits.
- Public Education: Creates campaigns to increase awareness and change behaviors around plastic pollution.
- Research: Enables studies on microplastics prevalence and ecological impacts.
The Act targets plastics and fishing gear waste through every stage of its lifecycle.
The 2018 Amendments: Expanding the Reach of the Act
In 2018, amendments to the Act were passed, which:
- Expanded NOAA's international outreach capabilities to support waste management abroad.
- Addressed additional sources like microfibers from clothing.
- Set higher recycling targets for plastic bottles.
- Provided more funding for waste management infrastructure globally.
This increased the scope and impact of the legislation.
Assessing International Impact and Support for Ocean Conservancy
The Act supports global plastic reduction efforts through:
- Public-private partnerships with groups like Ocean Conservancy.
- Enabling U.S. technical assistance for waste management in developing countries.
- Cooperating with governments to align international policies.
Over $113 million has been committed to date toward international debris removal.
Evaluating Effectiveness: Results of the Trash Free Seas Initiative
Under the NOAA Trash Free Seas program launched through the Act, quantifiable results so far include:
- Over 100,000 pounds of fishing nets and plastic waste removed
- 1.7 million students and citizens educated on the issue
- 70+ debris removal technologies funded and tested
The initiative has catalyzed measurable plastic reduction and sparked awareness. Continued action and funding are still needed to combat this still-growing problem.
What does the Save Our Seas Act do?
The Save Our Seas 2.0 Act of 2020 aims to enhance efforts in the United States to address the growing problem of marine debris. Here are some of the key things the Act does:
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Authorizes $10 million per year through 2025 for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) marine debris assessment, prevention, mitigation, and removal programs. This funding will support domestic efforts to combat marine debris.
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Directs the United States to actively participate in international efforts and negotiations to globally address the marine debris problem. This includes working with the United Nations Environment Programme to establish a new global architecture to eradicate plastic pollution.
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Requires NOAA to provide Congress with a report assessing the efficacy of existing marine debris removal efforts and recommending cost-effective improvements. This will help identify gaps and opportunities to enhance domestic infrastructure for preventing and capturing marine debris.
In summary, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act aims to strengthen U.S. efforts, both domestically and internationally, to understand, prevent, mitigate, and remove harmful marine debris, especially plastic waste, from waters and coastlines. The Act ultimately seeks to reduce the ecological, health, and economic impacts of the global marine debris problem.
What is the Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act?
The Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, also known as the Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act, is comprehensive legislation passed by the US Congress in 2020 to address the growing crisis of marine debris and plastic pollution in oceans and coastal areas.
The Act builds upon and strengthens the original Save Our Seas Act passed in 2018, which focused on enhancing domestic and international efforts to research and reduce marine debris. The 2.0 Act expands the scope significantly by tackling additional sources of plastic waste and enabling more funding and coordination to implement solutions.
Some key things to know about the SOS 2.0 Act:
- It authorizes $100 million per year through 2025 for NOAA to support US and international efforts to clean up marine debris and plastic waste.
- Expands the Marine Debris Program's mission to include projects focused on waste prevention and circular economy solutions.
- Calls for interagency coordination through a new Marine Debris Foundation to drive public-private partnerships.
- Requires studies on microplastics and single-use plastic waste management.
- Directs the State Department to make reducing plastic waste a priority in international agreements.
In summary, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act takes bold steps to understand, prevent and reduce plastic pollution through research, cleanup efforts, public education, and global cooperation. It demonstrates the US government's commitment to tackling this environmental threat across the entire life cycle of plastics.
What is the Safe Seas Act?
The Safe Seas Act is legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in February 2022 to address the serious issue of sexual assault and sexual harassment in the maritime industry.
Specifically, the bill aims to improve reporting of sexual assault and harassment incidents on ships. It creates new mandates and procedures for crew members and vessel owners to document occurrences of sexual misconduct while at sea.
The goal is to bring more accountability and transparency to cases of sexual assault and harassment that happen on vessels. By requiring detailed reporting, the Safe Seas Act hopes to shed more light on this troubling problem affecting those who work in the maritime sector.
In turn, concrete data on the prevalence of shipboard sexual assault and harassment could inform further policy changes to better protect seafarers. The maritime community sees this bill as an important first step toward reforming safety practices and cultural attitudes on ships.
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What are the laws passed about ocean pollution?
The key laws passed by the U.S. Congress regarding ocean pollution and marine debris are:
The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA)
- Also known as the Ocean Dumping Act, it prohibits dumping material into the ocean that would degrade or endanger human health or the marine environment
- Ocean dumping requires a permit issued under the MPRSA
- Aims to regulate intentional ocean disposal of waste
The Save Our Seas Act of 2018
- Authorizes NOAA to support global efforts to combat marine debris
- Supports domestic and international trash prevention and removal efforts
- Focuses on debris from land-based sources like rivers and sewage systems
The Save Our Seas 2.0 Act of 2020
- Amends the Save Our Seas Act to enhance domestic marine debris response
- Calls for research on plastic pollution and its impacts
- Seeks to improve global engagement and coordination on the issue
These laws recognize the growing plastic pollution crisis in our oceans and take steps to address it through research, clean-up efforts, international cooperation, and working to stop waste from entering waterways in the first place.
Collaborative Efforts: Key Partners and Stakeholders
The Save Our Seas Act brings together diverse stakeholders from government agencies, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector to collaborate on combatting marine pollution through research, education, and conservation initiatives.
Role of U.S. Federal Agencies in Combatting Marine Debris
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) serves as the lead federal agency carrying out programs under the Save Our Seas Act. NOAA works closely with partners like:
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support waste management infrastructure and implement community-based marine debris removal projects.
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The Department of State to build international cooperation through the United Nations and other global forums towards reducing plastic waste.
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The U.S. Coast Guard to enforce laws prohibiting dumping of plastics and fishing gear into oceans.
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The National Science Foundation to fund academic research on sources and impacts of marine plastics.
State and Local Governments' Initiatives Against Plastic Pollution
The Save Our Seas Act provides grants to state, local, and tribal governments for projects aligned with the law's goals. Examples include:
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The state of California received funding to test new polymer recycling methods to keep plastics out of oceans.
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The municipality of Anchorage in Alaska launched a "Straw-Free Anchorage" campaign to reduce single-use plastics.
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Coastal cities like Seattle and San Diego have passed bans on common single-use plastic items.
Non-Governmental Organizations and the Save Our Seas Initiative
Non-profits are key drivers of public engagement around marine conservation issues. Major NGOs partnering with the Save Our Seas Act include:
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Ocean Conservancy: Conducts annual coastal cleanup programs, removing over 300 million pounds of trash since 1986.
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The Ocean Cleanup Project: Develops technologies to collect existing plastic waste floating in ocean garbage patches.
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5 Gyres Institute: Researches plastic pollution and its effects on marine ecosystems.
Private Sector Supporters and Their Role in Eradicating Plastic Pollution
Corporations from various industries have provided funding or other support for Save Our Seas Act programs, including:
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Dell Technologies: Sponsored the 2018 Pacific Garbage Screening Array study on plastic concentrations in the Pacific Ocean.
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Patagonia: Donated proceeds from product sales to marine conservation non-profits.
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TerraCycle: Works with companies to create recycling solutions for hard-to-recycle plastics.
Assessing the Save Our Seas Act's Impact on Marine Conservation
The Save Our Seas Act has led to significant expansion and improved protection of marine habitats globally. By providing funding for mapping, monitoring, and enforcement, the Act has enabled measurable growth in marine protected areas and demonstrable conservation outcomes.
Expansion of Marine Protected Areas Through the Act
The Save Our Seas Act has supported the designation of new marine protected areas around the world. Key outcomes enabled by the Act include:
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Over 500,000 square miles of new marine protected areas established since 2018 with support from Save Our Seas mapping and habitat identification initiatives. This represents a 12% increase globally.
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Expanded protection for endangered marine species habitats in locations such as the Coral Triangle and the Galapagos Islands using resources from the Save Our Seas Fund.
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Improved management plans for existing marine sanctuaries in the United States, including clear conservation objectives and monitoring protocols backed by Save Our Seas enforcement mechanisms.
Local Conservation Success Stories: Case Studies
Save Our Seas funding has also catalyzed tangible conservation successes through local projects focused on habitat restoration and marine debris removal, including:
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Removal of over 3,000 tons of fishing nets and plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch since 2018 through Save Our Seas supported expeditions, reducing threats to marine life.
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Coral reef restoration efforts in Indonesia and Malaysia resulting in a combined 15% increase in live coral cover on assisted reefs compared to just 2% growth on unassisted reefs.
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Establishment of four new coastal marine sanctuaries in Chile and Peru aided by Save Our Seas grants, preserving key feeding and breeding grounds for thousands of marine species.
Advancements in Global Monitoring and Enforcement for Ocean Health
The Save Our Seas Act has enabled progress in monitoring technologies and information networks to better understand and safeguard marine ecosystems globally, including:
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Deployment of over 500 new remote sensing buoys by the NOAA to monitor marine habitats in near real-time, covering 10 times more area compared to previous capabilities.
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Creation of the Global Ocean Watch program - an information sharing network for enforcement agencies to collaboratively monitor high seas fishing, shipping, and conservation zones.
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Stronger penalties and expanded enforcement capacity for existing marine sanctuaries, including 24/7 on-site patrols and satellite surveillance of protected areas.
Through measurable habitat expansion, species conservation, and protection mechanisms, the Save Our Seas Act has tangibly improved global marine health over the past few years. Continued support and funding for its programs offer significant promise for restoring ocean ecosystems.
The Save Our Seas 2.0 Act of 2020: A New Chapter in Marine Protection
The Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, signed into law in 2020 as Public Law 116-224, represents a significant advancement in efforts to combat marine debris and plastic pollution. This legislation builds upon the original Save Our Seas Act passed in 2018, incorporating innovative new strategies to address the plastic problem across its entire lifecycle - from production to disposal.
Key Enhancements and Innovations in the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act
The Save Our Seas 2.0 Act includes several notable enhancements to strengthen the fight against marine plastic pollution:
- Expands the focus beyond cleanup to address prevention and production of plastics
- Supports new research on microplastics and nurdles
- Promotes international engagement and sharing of best practices
- Encourages transition to reusable materials over single-use plastics
This more holistic approach represents a strategic shift towards curbing plastic waste at its source, while accelerating solutions and cooperation globally.
Addressing the Plastic Problem: From Production to Garbage Patches
A unique aspect of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act is its emphasis on managing the entire lifecycle of plastics - from production to disposal. Specific provisions aim to:
- Advance technological solutions to capture plastic waste before reaching oceans
- Enhance waste management infrastructure in developing countries
- Research plastic waste accumulation zones like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
- Prevent microplastics and nurdles from entering waterways
- Promote use of compostable, recyclable, and reusable materials
This comprehensive strategy recognizes the interconnected nature of the plastic pollution issue across land and sea.
Integrating Research: The Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act
The Save Our Seas 2.0 Act aligns closely with the goals and approach of the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act. Both bills prioritize research and technology development to better understand and tackle marine plastic issues.
Key research areas include:
- Sources, fate, and impacts of microplastics
- Effects of plastic waste on marine life and humans
- Advancing technology to capture plastic waste
- Nurdle monitoring and containment
- Biodegradable alternatives
Enhanced research will inform future policymaking and drive innovation in the plastic waste arena.
Future Collaborations and the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act
As the plastic pollution crisis intensifies globally, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act helps lay the policy groundwork for expanded engagement. The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act proposes bold ideas like producer responsibility requirements, nationwide container deposits, and bans on certain single-use plastic items.
With its emphasis on international cooperation, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act can foster greater collaboration around emerging legislative solutions like the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act. Tackling plastic waste ultimately requires a diverse array of stakeholders - governments, businesses, researchers, advocates and grassroots groups - to align around a shared vision for change.
Future Outlook and Related Legislation
The Save Our Seas Act has sparked momentum both domestically and abroad to address the growing global plastic pollution crisis through policy and cooperative action. However, there is more work to be done.
Pending Expansions and Amendments to the Save Our Seas Act
While the Save Our Seas Act takes important steps, legislators have proposed expansions such as:
- Increasing funding for garbage collection technology development
- Expanding debris cleanup to inland waterways and shores
- Setting mandatory recycling targets
These could accelerate progress if enacted.
Complementary State and National Laws Reinforcing Marine Debris Reduction
In addition to federal efforts, many US states have passed bills supporting waste reduction and recycling. For example, California, Oregon, and Hawaii have set ambitious plastic waste reduction goals. These complement the Save Our Seas Act.
International Momentum and Multilateral Agreements
The Save Our Seas Act has inspired multilateral organizations and individual nations to take action, including:
- The UN Clean Seas initiative
- The Ocean Plastics Charter signed by 21 countries
- Bans on single-use plastics enacted by over 60 countries
While promising, global cooperation and continual political pressure are still needed to drive progress.
