Title 33 — Navigation and Navigable WatersRelease 119-73
§4251 Incentive for fishermen to collect and dispose of plastic found at sea
Title 33 › Chapter CHAPTER 55— - SAVE OUR SEAS 2.0 › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER I— - COMBATING MARINE DEBRIS › Part Part C— - Pilot Projects › § 4251
Summary
The Under Secretary must run a pilot program that offers incentives, like grants, to U.S. fishermen who accidentally catch marine debris so they keep it on board and bring it ashore for proper disposal. The Under Secretary must also support U.S. efforts like Fishing for Energy that collect, recycle or dispose of, and help prevent loss of fishing gear.
Full Legal Text
Title 33, §4251
Navigation and Navigable Waters — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)The Under Secretary shall establish a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing incentives, such as grants, to fishermen based in the United States who incidentally capture marine debris while at sea—
(1)to track or keep the debris on board; and
(2)to dispose of the debris properly on land.
(b)The Under Secretary shall encourage United States efforts, such as the Fishing for Energy net disposal program, that support—
(1)collection and removal of derelict fishing gear and other fishing waste;
(2)disposal or recycling of such gear and waste; and
(3)prevention of the loss of such gear.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
33 U.S.C. § 4251
Title 33 — Navigation and Navigable Waters
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73