Title 33, Navigation and Navigable WatersRelease 119-110
§4251 Incentive for Fishermen to Collect and Dispose of Plastic Found at Sea
Title 33 › CHAPTER 55 — SAVE OUR SEAS 2.0 › SUBCHAPTER I — COMBATING MARINE DEBRIS › Part C — Pilot Projects › § 4251
Summary
The Under Secretary must start a pilot program to test giving incentives, like grants, to U.S. fishermen who accidentally catch marine debris and then track, keep, or bring it ashore for proper disposal. They must also back efforts, for example Fishing for Energy, to collect, recycle, or dispose of lost fishing gear and to help prevent gear loss.
Full Legal Text
Title 33, §4251
Navigation and Navigable Waters, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)In general
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)Support for collection and removal of derelict gear
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
Sep 22, 2026
Release point: 119-110