Marine Environmental Protection

Public Workshop on the Ocean Research Priorities Plan

The National Science and Technology Council Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology is holding a public workshop on April 18-20, 2006 in Denver, CO, to solicit input and guidance from the ocean science communities on the Ocean Research Priorities Plan (ORPP). [more] (03/29/06)

nowCoast Web Mapping Portal

In a continuing effort to improve maritime safety and commerce through the monitoring of physical changes in weather, oceanographic and river conditions, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has launched an updated version of the popular nowCOAST Web portal. [more] (03/29/06)

Port pollution poses huge health threat, says union

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union, a formidable labor group not historically associated with environmental causes, has launched a campaign to slash air pollution at West Coast ports. [more] (03/04/06)

Whodunit? A Coast Guard chemist identifies the unique fingerprints of oil spills...

The oil seemed to materialize out of nowhere in Chelsea's Island End River in the early morning hours of Jan. 10. [more] (03/27/06)

Rules on Dumping of Wastes at Sea

A significant milestone for the protection of the marine environment will be reached on 24 March 2006 with the entry into force of the 1996 Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter (1972), following its recent ratification by Mexico, the 26th country to do so. The 1996 Protocol represents a major change of approach to the question of how to regulate the use of the sea as a depository for waste materials in that, in essence, dumping is prohibited, except for materials on an approved list. This contrasts with the 1972 Convention which permitted dumping of wastes at sea, except for those materials on a banned list. [more] (02/22/06)

Arthur Kill Oil Spill – Update

The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Press Release updating the status of the response to the spill of crude oil into Arthur Kill. Clean-up crews are now focusing on isolated areas of impacted shoreline. (02/21/06)

California – Copper-based Hull Paints – Draft Resolution

The California State Lands Commission (SLC) is considering a draft Resolution regarding Alternatives to Copper-Based Anti-Fouling Paints. The resolution, if adopted, would encourage the phased elimination of use of such hull paints in California, particularly on recreational vessels. The SLC issued a Notice seeking comments on the draft. (02/09/06)

USCG – Updated Policy Re Environmental Protection

The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Press Release advising that the agency promulgated an updated policy regarding enforcement of MARPOL Annex I. Note: The policy letter was discussed and linked in a recent edition of this newsletter. (01/27/06)

Tugboat Sinks at Duwamish River

A 101-foot tugboat sank at its moorage off the mouth of the Duwamish River and nearly dragged down a second tug, the AP reported. The cause of the sinking of the tug island Brave was unknown. More than 20,000 gallons of diesel fuel in the tugboat's tanks leaked before company divers sealed the fuel tanks... [more] (01/24/06)

Investigation of ATHOS I Oil Spill

The U.S. Coast Guard posted its report of the investigation of the oil spill from the Athos I in the Delaware River. The report (which is 82 pages in length) was summarized in the Press Release that was posted last week. (01/23/06).

Anchor Caused '04 Delaware River Oil Spill

The U.S. Coast Guard announced the cause of the November 2004 oil spill in the Delaware River, saying a submerged 18,000-pound anchor of unknown origin caused the gash in the hulking Greek tanker, the Athos I. The other objects that had been suspected in the accident - a pump casing, a large concrete block, an 11-ton propeller - have been cleared of all charges... [more] (01/23/06)