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one account of such a policy being endorsed by a cruise line is alarming. 



V. CONCLUSION 



Why should the United States be concerned over the cruise industry's impact on the marine 

 environment? Most cruise lines are actually U.S. businesses who are carrying U.S. passengers, km 

 because they register under foreign flags, they are immune to U.S. pollution laws when they travel 

 outside of our waters. A law enforcement official recently remarked that mis situation is equivalent 

 to American Airlines being registered as an Italian carrier. 



As U.S. businesses carrying U.S. passengers the cruise industry needs to be held accountable 

 for their actions to the U.S. government and to the public. The cruise industry estimates that 87% 

 of cruise passengers world-wide come from North America. It is U.S. passengers who are 

 generating the overwhelming majority of cruise line waste; it is U.S. passengers who are 

 inadvertently impacting the Caribbean environment; and it is outraged U.S. citizens who have 

 initiated the public outcry against the cruise industry's disregard for the environment. 



The cruise industry has enjoyed unparalleled growth, in spite of recent economic times. This 

 growth continues as the industry seeks to expand into new untouched and unspoiled destinations. 

 CMC feels that there is an strong need for tighter controls and monitoring of the cruise industry's 

 impact on our marine environment. We commend you for realizing that this is a concern of your 

 constituents, and support you in your efforts to address this issue. 



To strengthen enforcement efforts of pollution laws and to increase compliance within the 

 cruise industry, the Center for Marine Conservation recommends the following measures: 



* Set up USCG hotline for citizen reports of violations. 



* Provide cruise passengers with information on the law and how to report violations. 



* Require the use of shipboard refuse record keeping. 



* Encourage USCG cooperation with U.S. Attorney's Offices in coordinating prosecution 

 of criminal cases. 



* Make the resources of the FBI and EPA available to U.S. Attorney's Offices to aid in 

 investigations. 



* Encourage USCG to share their expertise with counterparts in the Caribbean. 



* Encourage USCG and USDA to address high cost of disposal at U.S. ports. 



* Encourage USCG to provide guidance to shipping agents regarding U.S. disposal laws. 



In addition, CMC encourages the cruise line industry to become part of the solution by 

 becoming actively involved in policing their own companies and setting up "whistle-blower" 

 programs. We also encourage the industry to educate not only their crew, but their passengers as 

 well, about the requirements of the law. 



The Center for Marine Conservation realizes the difficulties and intricacies involved with 

 enforcing MARPOL Annex V and other pollution laws and is aware of the burden that onshore 

 disposal of ship-generated wastes places on our ports. We encourage the U.S. Coast Guard and the 

 U.S. Department of Agriculture to take a leadership role in addressing these issues, thereby setting 

 an example for the rest of the world to follow. 



We thank you for the opportunity to testify. I would be glad to answer any questions that you 

 may have. 



Center for Marine Conservation. Page 7 



