Which statement about littering is true?

Which statement about littering is true?

• A. Littering illegal with misdemeanor of 1 year jail or $100 fine
• B. Plastic litter is harmless to marine animals
• C. Biodegradable litter doesn't affect water quality
• D. If something flies overboard you should ignore

Answer: (A)

Littering from a vessel is illegal and can be punished as a misdemeanor with penalties that may include up to a year in jail or a $100 fine. This captures the seriousness of discarding waste at sea and reflects the enforcement you’ll encounter on the water. The statement about penalties is the best answer because it directly conveys a concrete, enforceable consequence for littering. By contrast, plastic litter is not harmless to marine animals; it can be ingested or cause entanglement, harming wildlife. Biodegradable litter does not automatically avoid affecting water quality; even materials that break down can still impact ecosystems or take a long time to degrade in marine conditions. And something thrown overboard should not be ignored—you’re expected to manage waste properly and avoid dumping overboard, keeping trash secured on board and disposed of at approved facilities.

Littering from a vessel is illegal and can be punished as a misdemeanor with penalties that may include up to a year in jail or a $100 fine. This captures the seriousness of discarding waste at sea and reflects the enforcement you’ll encounter on the water. The statement about penalties is the best answer because it directly conveys a concrete, enforceable consequence for littering. By contrast, plastic litter is not harmless to marine animals; it can be ingested or cause entanglement, harming wildlife. Biodegradable litter does not automatically avoid affecting water quality; even materials that break down can still impact ecosystems or take a long time to degrade in marine conditions. And something thrown overboard should not be ignored—you’re expected to manage waste properly and avoid dumping overboard, keeping trash secured on board and disposed of at approved facilities.