33 U.S.C. § 1972 — Genius Prize for Save Our Seas Innovations

to encourage technological innovation with the potential to reduce plastic waste, and associated and potential pollution, and thereby prevent marine debris^*; and

to award 1 or more prizes biennially for projects that advance human understanding and innovation in removing and preventing plastic waste, in one of the categories described in paragraph (2).

Advancements in materials used in packaging and other products that, if such products enter the coastal or ocean environment, will fully degrade without harming the environment, wildlife, or human health.

Innovations in production and packaging design that reduce the use of raw materials, increase recycled content, encourage reusability and recyclability, and promote a circular economy^*.

Improvements in marine debris detection, monitoring, and cleanup technologies and processes.

Improvements or improved strategies to increase solid waste collection, processing, sorting, recycling, or reuse.

New designs or strategies to reduce overall packaging needs and promote reuse.

can fully degrade in the ocean without harming the environment, wildlife, or human health; and

are to be used in fishing gear or other maritime products that have an increased likelihood of entering the coastal or ocean environment as unintentional waste.