Poster abstracts and manuscripts from the Third International ...

60
What sets marine debris apart from other prevailing environmental
problems is that immediate solutions exist. Recognizing this
fact, the Center for Marine Conservation brought together a
diverse coalition of federal, state and local agencies, industry,
citizen organizations, scientists, educators and individuals to
form the California Marine Debris Steering Committee in 1989.
The Steering Committee was charged with. evaluating the marine
debris problem, exploring its solutions, and recommending local
and state actions to reduce marine debris in California.
After extensively researching the marine debris problem in
California, the Steering Committee developed the "California
Marine Debris Action Plan." The "Action Plan," printed in June
1990, is divided into three major components: The Problem, The
Solution, and Recommended Action. The Problem describes the
adverse impact of marine debris and the composition and sources
of trash found on California beaches. The Solution outlines what
is being done to address the problem. The Recommended Action
outlines 22 specific action items recommended by the Steering
Committee. The items fall into four general areas of action;
enforce laws that reduce marine debris, educate the public,
continue research for new solutions, and enact legislation.
Implementation of the "Action Plan" is involving public and
private efforts. In the four years since the document was
published, much progress has been made, but more work remains to
be done. The Center for Marine Conservation and the California
Coastal Commission have developed "Save Our Seas," a
comprehensive marine debris education program for grades K-12.
The Center is also working with the commercial shipping industry
to develop a "zero discharge" program in which no solid wastes,
except food wastes, will be dumped overboard..
Efforts by other groups to implement the Action Plan's
recommendations include:
.Coastal Resources Center conducted a Pilot Port Recycling
Project at Pillar Point Harbor. This successful model project,
which instituted recycling of plastics and other items', will be
replicated in several ports throughout California.
.The California Department of Boating and Waterways is
distributing marine debris educational materials to marine
retailers, Coast Guard Auxiliaries, and recreational boaters.
.The California Fish and Game Commission hasinserted a
paragraph explaining MARPOL Annex V in the state "Angling
Regulations," a free publication which lists all California
fishing regulations and applicable health notices.
.The California Integrated Waste Management Board has agreed to
review waste management in marine areas and offer technical
assistance to ports and marinas when necessary.