The continuing decline of many valuable marine resources - and the complex regulations put in place to protect and rebuild them - have increased the need for extensive programs encouraging compliance.

The degree of this deterrence is directly related to the degree which the public is made aware of the detrimental biologic and ecological effects of illegal, habitat modifications, killing of sea life, and efforts of OLE to capture and prosecute violators. The hunting, harassment, capture, collection, or killing of marine mammal are considered to be "takes" under the MMPA.

In 1995, the OLE adopted COPPS as a national initiative, designed to empower communities and individuals, to actively participate in their local marine conservation management of our valuable living marine resources.

The OLE firmly believes that effective outreach and the COPPS philosophy are the prime tools for achieving deterrence. The OLE's COPPS program is designed to focus on results, and not on process and punishment.

Emphasizing the necessity and benefits of fishery regulations as a critical aspect of the outreach process, the COPPS foundation rests on education and understanding through teamwork and partnerships.

While each enforcement division approaches COPPS differently based upon their local constituency, regional problems and available resources, they all work to enhance community participation in marine conservation based upon the six components:

COPPS Six Components

1. Community Outreach which teams OLE with marine resource stakeholders in grassroots partnerships to identify, define and solve marine resource enforcement problems with enduring situational solutions.
2. Fix-It Notice (FIN) Program provides first-time offenders a good faith opportunity to "fix" minor technical violations within a designated time frame without threat of penalty.
3. ProACTION uses education to promote understanding of the NOAA/NOAA Fisheries enforcement mission.
4. NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline (1-800-853-1964) provides live operator coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone in the United States to report a federal fisheries violation.
5. Recognition and Rewards (R & R) offers tangible appreciation to marine resource stakeholders for special contributions towards conserving the nation's marine resources.
6. Community Relations Team (CRT) enacted to develop and coordinate the OLE's community relations functions, and programs.