Estuary Protection Act P.L. 90-454 



This act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct an inventory 

 and study of the Nation's estuaries, working towards the goal of protecting, 

 saving, and restoring them. 



Marine Sanctuaries Act of 1972 



This act authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, with the approval of the 

 President, to designate as "Marine Sanctuaries" those areas of coastal waters, 

 as far out as the outer edge of the continental shelf, or of coastal waters 

 wherever the tide ebbs and flows, which he determined need Federal protection 

 in order to maintain their ecological and recreational values. In 1979, this 

 act was employed in southwest Florida for designation of the Apalachicola 

 Marine Sanctuary. 



Endangered Species Act of 1973 



This act provides mechanisms through the Secretary of Commerce for pro- 

 tection of endangered species of fish and wildlife by way of direct Federal 

 action and by encouraging states to establish conservation programs. Enforce- 

 ment include civil and criminal penalties. 



Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act as ammended by the 

 Federal and Environmental Pesticide Control of 1972, P.L. 92-516 . The purpose 

 of the original legislation was to control the composition of the pesticides 

 through adequate labeling and instructions and tests on side effects, and for 

 registering aquatic poisons. The amendment initiated a system to prevent 

 indiscriminant application of pesticides to protect fish and wildlife. 



Federal Water Pollution Control Act 



The passage of this act was the Federal Government's first major intent 

 to take an active role in the fight against water pollution. The original 

 1948 Act emphasized state control, but was limited in scope to interstate 

 waters and tributaries. 



Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 P.L. 92-500 . The 

 1972 Amendments completely revised and restructured the 1948 Act. The major 

 goals of the act were to: 



Eliminate the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters by 1985, 

 and maintain water quality suitable for fish and wildlife, and other 

 forms of recreation by 1983. 



Prohibit the discharge of toxic pollutants. 



Provide financial assistance to construct publicly-owned waste 

 treatment works. 



Develop and implement area-wide waste treatment. 



Develop the technology necessary to eliminate the discharge of pol- 

 lutants into navigable waters. 



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