[Prepared statements of Members follow:] 



Statement of Hon. William J. Hughes, a U.S. Representative from New Jersey 



Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I commend you for holding today's oversight hearing 

 on pollution from cruise ships and Coast Guard enforcement of pollution prevention 

 laws and International agreements. As you know, I have a long history and deep 

 interest in ocean pollution issues. 



For over a decade I have worked along with my colleagues on this Committee in 

 the development of sound, forward-looking, balanced pollution prevention policies 

 for our oceans. This Committee has been responsible for developing the Ocean 

 Dumping Ban Act, the Oil Pollution Act, and the implementing legislation for the 

 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). 

 These policies are far-reaching and necessary to protect our vital marine resources, 

 but become inconsequential without constant vigilance and strong enforcement. 



I am appalled at the circumstances which bring us here today — an eye-witness 

 video taken by passengers aboard a pleasure cruise of crew throwing garbage-filled 

 plastic bags overboard into the ocean. This activity is a disgrace to the cruise indus- 

 try, and shows blatant disregard by the industry for our laws as well as the health 

 and welfare of the oceans upon which the industry's very livelihood depends. 



Furthermore, the ensuing apparent slow reaction by the Coast Guard brings into 

 question the agency's enforcement capability in these cases. Indeed, I wonder if any 

 action would have been taken had the incident not been publicized on national tele- 

 vision 8 months after it occurred. This delay is very disturbing. Further, it leads me 

 to question whether we are passing laws which place demands on the Coast Guard 

 beyond their current capabilities. 



Finally, with decreasing landfill space and a growing cruise industry, I would like 

 to know what steps the industry is taking to address the serious problem of waste 

 disposal. I would also like to know what steps the Coast Guard is taking to step up 

 enforcement capability of pollution prevention laws. 



Marine pollution legislation and other measures, combined with a dedicated effort 

 to educate the public on the importance of keeping our marine environment clean 

 and free of debris, will help restore the beauty of our shore, maintain high water 

 quality and thus preserve these priceless treasures for generations to come. Indeed, 

 we have made significant progress in this regard and should continue these efforts. 



Mr. Chairman, I will close my testimony by welcoming the panel in hopes that it 

 will address some of the gross deficiencies made apparent through this incident. 



Thank you. 



Statement of Hon. Jack Fields, a U.S. Representative from Texas, and 

 Ranking Minority Member, Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries 



Mr. Chairman, this hearing focuses attention on a major problem for the Gulf of 

 Mexico region, especially the Texas coast. In 1991, thousands of beach cleanup vol- 

 unteers collected more coastal debris in Texas than in any other state, except North 

 Carolina. Plastic debris accounted for approximately 72 percent of the debris collect- 

 ed, the highest percent of plastic pollution of any state involved in the cleanup. 



Because of wind and circulation patterns in the Gulf of Mexico, much of the 

 debris dumped into the Gulf will find its way to the Texas shores. The designation 

 by the International Maritime Organization of the Gulf of Mexico and the Wider 

 Caribbean as a Special Area under Annex V of MARPOL 73/78 is a step in the 

 right direction. Greater compliance with the plastics pollution laws by all vessels, 

 especially passenger cruise vessels, operating in the Caribbean will reduce the 

 amount of debris deposited on the shores of the states bordering the Gulf of Mexico. 



I support strong enforcement of the plastics pollution laws, to preserve the natu- 

 ral and economic value of the Gulf of Mexico and the entire United States coastline. 



Statement of Hon. Curt Weldon, a U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania 



Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank you for holding this very important hearing 

 today. Without a doubt, this is a growing problem that deserves immediate atten- 

 tion. I commend you -for your insight on this matter and look forward to working 

 with you to address this issue. 



While I realize the world is not perfect, I did not think that problems, such as the 

 one discussed here today, so blatantly existed. I hate to say that I am naive, but 

 perhaps, that is the case. 



