WASHINGTON - September 28 - House passes critical marine debris bill - S 362 - to create programs in the Coast Guard and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to help identify and prevent the spread of marine debris. Environmental Defense Oceans Program Director David Festa comments: "Environmental Defense commends the House for passing this vital marine debris bill. Reducing sea trash is an important step in maintaining healthy oceans."

“Oceans provide us with food, medicine and recreation. If we don’t have healthy oceans, we can’t have healthy lives.

“Each year, sea trash, such as plastic bags and abandoned fishing gear, damages habitat and injures and kills thousands of marine animals, including endangered Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, birds and whales. The House marine debris bill will help protect valuable habitat and marine life.”

###