Funeral at the Ocean's Edge
Burials at Sea Under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) General Permit
If you are considering a sea burial for a loved one, it is essential to understand the regulations that govern this unique practice. The MPRSA general permit, issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), outlines the rules for burials at sea.
Reporting Process and Requirements
To report a burial at sea under the MPRSA general permit, you must comply with the EPA regulations that govern sea burials. This includes submitting detailed information prior to the burial, such as the identity of the deceased, the date and location of the burial, and confirmation that the burial complies with all applicable regulations.
Burials must occur at least three nautical miles from shore in waters with a minimum depth of 600 feet, as specified by EPA regulations for sea burial. Only human remains properly prepared according to EPA standards may be buried at sea. This often entails cremation and appropriate containment methods to ensure no pollution occurs.
Companies or individuals operating under this permit are required to keep detailed records and submit a formal report to the EPA after the burial.
Prohibitions Include
No disposal of items other than human remains is allowed. Bodies, including uncremated remains, must not be disposed of within marine sanctuaries or in restricted ocean areas. Burial activities cannot introduce pollutants or cause harm to marine life or habitats.
State-specific laws may add further restrictions that must be followed alongside federal rules. For example, Florida state regulations may apply.
Container and Boat Requirements
Cremated remains may be buried at sea in an acceptable container. The container must not contain plastic of any kind, float, or otherwise contribute to marine debris. Ideally, the container should degrade or dissolve in a relatively short period of time in the marine environment.
You can use your own boat or a boat that you are authorized to use for a burial at sea. Charter boat operators also offer services for burial at sea, and some specialize in performing burials at sea. The U.S. Navy may also be contacted for arrangements if the deceased is a military veteran or their spouse.
No Fees and Reporting Document
There are no fees payable to the EPA for using the MPRSA general permit for burial at sea or for filing the notification. The number of burials at sea conducted in 2020 that were reported to EPA Regions using the Burial at Sea Reporting Tool can be found in the document "Burials at sea conducted in 2020 under MPRSA (pdf)".
Exceptions and Clarifications
Scattering of cremated remains in lakes, rivers, or other inland waters is not subject to federal regulation under the MPRSA. However, states may have requirements governing the scattering of cremated remains into internal, non-ocean waters, like lakes and rivers of the state.
Cremated or non-cremated body parts are appropriately characterized as human remains provided that they originate from a single, deceased human and that the remains are not intermixed with other deceased humans or non-human remains, or body parts from living humans, or other materials, particularly medical wastes.
Ocean dumping of medical wastes is prohibited under the MPRSA. Medical wastes that otherwise exist within the body of the deceased would not be subject to the MPRSA prohibition against the ocean dumping of medical wastes. It is a standard practice for a human body to be cremated within a casket, and for metal objects to be removed from the ashes by the crematorium.
- Under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) General Permit, burials at sea are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- The reporting process for burials at sea requires submission of detailed information, including the deceased's identity, burial date and location, and compliance with all applicable regulations.
- Burials must occur in waters that are at least three nautical miles from shore, with a minimum depth of 600 feet, and only properly prepared human remains are allowed.
- No fees are payable to the EPA for using the MPRSA general permit for burial at sea or for filing the notification. However, state-specific laws may add additional restrictions.
