Poster abstracts and manuscripts from the Third International ...

These facts underscore the need for continuing education about
marine debris.
59
Educating recreational boaters, fishermen, and marina owners and
operators about the problems of marine debris and the
requirements of Annex V offers an effective means to combat the
problem at the source by influencing compliance decisions.
Voluntary compliance through education has been shown to be an
effective means of achieving the policy objectives of MARPOL
during a number of projects conducted at U.S. ports.
In 1991, the New Jersey Sea Grant College Program, working in
cooperation with the Center for Marine Conservation, conducted a
demonstration project in the Port of Manasquan-Greater Barnegat
Bay region of New Jersey that heightened public awareness about
the marine debris problem, assisted boaters, anglers, and marina
owners and operators in complying with MARPOL Annex V regulations
and enlisted their participation in controlling marine debris.
Educational methods utilized during the project included radio
PSA's, newsletter and magazine articles, posters, brochures,
seminars, workshops, and on-site visits.
The NJ Sea Grant Program is extending the results of this
demonstration project statewide and responding to other emerging
coastal regulations that impact the recreational community by
conducting the following education and outreach activities
related to marine debris.
- Assisting recreational boaters, fishermen, party and charter
boat operators, and marina operators with compliance with MARPOL
Annex V by providing placards, fact sheets, sample waste
management plans, and other educational materials to them.
- Conducting marine debris seminars and workshops for boaters
and anglers at regional and statewide boating and fishing forums
and conducting educator workshops about the problems of marine
debris and best management practices designed to control marine
debris.
- Working with marina and boatyard owners and operators to
implement best management practices for solid waste handling in
order to control marine debris at their facilities in accordance
with applicable federal, state, and local regulations including
methods of sources reduction, waste disposal, and designing and
establishing recycling programs.
Zilligen, Jil and Barbara Miller
California Marine Debris Action Plan
Center for Marine Conservation, San Francisco, California, USA
Marine debris, ranging from plastic bags, milk jugs, and bleach
bottles to tires, fishing line and nets, is more than just a
litter problem: it kills marine wildlife, poses a serious health
and safety hazard to coastal residents and tourists, and is
expensive for coastal communities burdened with repeated cleanup
costs.