MEMORANDUM

TO: California Ocean and Coastal Community

FROM: Mike Chrisman, Secretary for Resources, Chair, Ocean Protection Council

DATE: February 16, 2007

RE: Ocean Protection Council Adopts Resolution To Reduce and Prevent Marine Debris

At the February 8, 2007 public meeting, the Ocean Protection Council focused on the issue of marine debris, with particular attention to plastic waste. The council heard from a panel of experts that included state agency representatives, the American Chemistry Council, and the Algalita Marine Research Foundation. After considering public comment, the council adopted a resolution with directives to reduce and prevent litter in the marine environment. The resolution recognizes that marine debris impacts the health of California ’s coast and ocean resources. Highlights of the priority solutions identified in the resolution include:

• Consideration of expanding the California Redemption Value Program to encourage recycling of all forms of plastic containers
• Commitment to increased enforcement of existing litter laws, in particular violations involving pre-production plastic pellets known as “nurdles”
• Expansion of beach and river cleanups and enhanced education and outreach efforts
• Regional coordination with Washington , Oregon , British Columbia , Hawaii , and Baja California
• Creation of a comprehensive proposal for reducing derelict fishing gear
• Development of a statewide plan for reducing single-use packaging and containers and a proposal for a phased-in ban of toxic materials used in plastic packaging by 2015.

For more information on the California Ocean Protection Council, please visit our Web site at resources.ca.gov/copc/.