Clean Ships, Clean Ports, Clean Oceans: Controlling Garbage and Plastic Wastes at Sea (1995)
Chapter: 10 Federal Action to Improve Implementation of Annex V
10
Federal Action to Improve Implementation of Annex V
As the preceding chapters demonstrate, there are many opportunities for action to improve U.S. implementation of MARPOL Annex V. Although many specific actions need to be taken by mariners, ports, and private companies, there is also a critical need for sustained, directed, national leadership to establish nationwide information networks, standards, rules, and regulations. This chapter synthesizes the many components of the committee's analysis to draw overall conclusions and provide recommendations for federal action to improve implementation of Annex V across all fleets. Such action is needed because the U.S. government ratified Annex V without developing a detailed implementation plan.
The presentation is organized into six sections, based on themes drawn from Chapter 2, which identified scientific needs, and Chapter 9, which built on Chapters 3-8 to establish objectives and recommend specific tactics for each maritime sector. Chapter 2 demonstrated the need for improved scientific monitoring of the marine environment. Chapter 9 identified a number of topics requiring attention in many if not all maritime sectors: the vessel/shore interface; on-board technology; Annex V enforcement, education and training; and national leadership of Annex V implementation.
These six themes provide the framework for the committee's proposed Annex V implementation program. For each thematic area, the committee identified objectives (which are embedded in the conclusions) and the federal agencies that should lead the effort or provide support. The rationale for the selection of the designated agencies is provided. The committee also identified areas where the states, local governments, and private organizations should provide assistance.
