Lawmakers in United States Congress have reintroduced legislation that would strengthen programs addressing the issue of marine debris.
“We all must work together to keep our ocean free from marine debris,” U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-Oregon) said in a statement. “I’m pleased to join my colleagues and fellow Oceans Caucus members [U.S. Rep. Uifa’atali Amata Colema Radewagen (R-American Samoa) and U.S. Rep. James Moylan (R-Guam)] in introducing this bipartisan legislation that will strengthen the Marine Debris Foundation’s critical work and better support projects to clean up and prevent marine debris.”
The Save Our Seas (S.O.S.) 2.0 Amendments Act of 2025 builds on the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, legislation passed in 2021 to improve the nation’s efforts to prevent and clean up marine debris. The new bill would authorize the Marine Debris Foundation to set up its headquarters near Washington, D.C., or a coastal community, improve outreach efforts, and reauthorize NOAA's Marine Debris Program through 2029. The bill would also allow NOAA to enter into nontraditional agreements and provide in-kind contributions in support of marine debris cleanup efforts.
“In American Samoa, the ocean is the source of our islands’ beauty, our livelihoods, our recreation, and our future,” Radewagan said in a statement. “I’m delighted to support ocean conservation and this good bipartisan legislation, which reauthorizes the Marine Debris Program, and builds on successes that are underway.”
A version of the legislation has also been introduced in the U.S. Senate, where it has been recommended by the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
"This bill will significantly enhance our ability to effectively prevent and address marine debris, both domestically and globally,” Moylan said in a statement. “Guam is surrounded by the beautiful waters of the Pacific Ocean, and I understand the importance of protecting our marine environment. The strengthening of the Marine Debris Foundation and the improvement of waste management and mitigation infrastructure will have a direct impact on safeguarding the oceans that are so vital to our island community. This legislation will not only benefit Guam but also contribute to the protection of oceans worldwide.”
