Federal programs and plastics in the oceans

In response to increasing concern over plastic pdllution in the oceans, the Administration formed the Interagency Task Force on Persistent Marine Debris. Eleven Federal agencies participatd on the Task Force, which the National Ocean ic and Atmospheric Admhstration (NOAA) led. The Task Force assessed existing information and programs, and recommended additional activities to reduce problemscaused by marine debris. Marine debris causes three types of problems: 1) it affects fish and wildlife by entangling them and they ingest it; 2) it fitters beaches, and can create human health problems i f it has stored toxic or infectious substances; and 3) it chqs vessel in take ports and peopellors. The Task Force recommended tha t Federal agencies expand public awarenes campaigns, continue research on effects plastic debris c a w , and support local activities to remove debris. In December 1987, the President signed a Law which w i l l prohibit disposal of plastic m ateridls in oceans prbr to January 1,1989.