The Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA), also known as the Ocean Dumping Act, regulates the transportation and dumping of any material into ocean waters. The MPRSA prohibits or restricts ocean dumping that would adversely affect human health, welfare, amenities, the marine environment, ecological systems or economic potentialities. Generally, ocean dumping cannot occur unless a permit is issued under the MPRSA. EPA’s Ocean Dumping Management Program protects human health and the marine environment, and prevents adverse impacts to other uses of the sea, such as navigation and fishing, from pollution caused by ocean dumping.