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, 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.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- ProACTION uses education to promote understanding of the NOAA/NOAA Fisheries enforcement mission.
- 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.
- Recognition and Rewards (R & R) offers tangible appreciation to marine resource stakeholders for special contributions towards conserving the nation's marine resources.
- Community Relations Team (CRT) enacted to develop and coordinate OLE's community relations functions, and programs.