Marine Pollution: Injury without a Remedy

Pollution of coastal and ocean waters is a complex and serious problem. Many contaminants reaching the ocean are harmful to marine organisms. Pollution affects the marine environment at all levels, from marine organisms to human beings. Along with the environment, the economy suffers injury because of damage to food sources.

This Article discusses the role of federal courts as a forum for redress of damages suffered from the pollution of coastal and ocean waters. It examines conflicting state and federal common law and statutory remedies for marine pollution. It concludes that in the face of the federal judiciary's retreat, Congress and state legislators must take affirmative steps to preserve remedies that traditionally have been available to injured persons.