The Oceans Invaded by Plastic and Garbage. What Can we do about it?

Under the MARPOL agreement and U.S. federal law, it is illegal for any vessel to discharge plastics or garbage containing plastics into any waters. Additional restrictions on the disposal of non plastic wastes are outlined above. All discharge of garbage is prohibited in the Great Lakes or their connecting tributary waters. Each knowing violation of these requirements may result in a fine of up to $500,000 and six years imprisonment. Other state or local laws on disposal of garbage may also apply. Report illegal disposal to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) on VHF marine radio Channel 16 or call the USCG Sector Office near you.

ILLEGAL TO DUMP • Plastic • All other garbage Within 3 nautical miles of shore and anywhere in lakes, rivers, bays, and sounds.

ILLEGAL TO DUMP • Plastic • Dunnage, lining & packing materials that float • All other garbage if not ground to less than 1” 3 to 12 nautical miles offshore

ILLEGAL TO DUMP • Plastic • Dunnage, lining & packing materials that float 12 to 25 nautical miles offshore

ILLEGAL TO DUMP • Plastic Outside 25 nautical miles off shore

Merchant ships top list of polluters in the world oceans

5 Oceans of the World

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