Marine Water Quality Regulations, 1992 (Marshall Islands)

The Marine Water Quality Regulations identify the uses for which the marine waters of the Republic of the Marshall Islands shall be maintained and protected, to specify water quality standards required to maintain designated uses and to prescribe regulations necessary for implementing, achieving and maintaining marine water quality. 

The Regulations declare that it is the policy of the state to maintain water quality that will provide for the propagation of aquatic life, protect marine resources, enhancement of human subsistence uses, and for recreation in and on the water. The Regulations classify marine water, as Class AA, A, or B, according to their use. 

Class AA refers to water to be protected for oceanographic research, the support and propagation of shellfish and other marine life, conservation of coral reefs and wilderness area, compatible recreation and other aesthetic enjoyment. For Class A waters, the uses to be created are recreational, including fishing, swimming, water-contact sports, aesthetic enjoyment, support and propagation of aquatic life. Class B waters are to be protected for uses as small boat harbors, shipping, bait fishing, compatible recreation, the support and propagation of aquatic life, and aesthetic enjoyment. 

Marine water areas are established in accordance with the uses protected in each class description. The Regulations also establish water quality standards. They also provide for the Marshall Islands Pollutant Discharge Elimination System which sets permit requirements for any discharge of pollutants.