Bronte Wells
Marine plastic pollution is a pressing issue that threatens ecosystems and biodiversity. It is caused by human activities on land and at sea, including the production, disposal, and use of plastics. While there have been some agreements and treaties, such as the London Convention and the London Protocol, which aim to prevent marine pollution by dumping wastes and other matters into the ocean, there is a need for a more comprehensive global agreement. The complex nature of the issue, involving multiple countries and stakeholders, has led to challenges in reaching a consensus on how to address plastic pollution effectively. While some countries favour a top-down approach with legally binding targets, others advocate for a voluntary national approach. Despite the differences in approaches, there is a growing recognition of the importance of cooperation in reducing marine plastic pollution, as evidenced by the increasing number of countries participating in treaties and the efforts of organizations like the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) to establish a global legal framework.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Global agreement on plastic pollution | Negotiations to begin in February 2022 |
| Marine Regions Forum 2023 | Held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania |
| London Convention | Entered into force on August 30, 1975, with 87 contracting parties as of September 2024 |
| London Protocol | Negotiations concluded in 1996 to modernize and replace the London Convention |
| North Atlantic Ocean countries agreement | Reduced marine plastic pollution but with unequal economic benefits |
| UNEA Resolution 5/14 | "End Plastic Pollution: Towards an International Legally Binding Instrument" |
| High Seas Treaty | Signed by countries to protect 30% of international waters by putting them into marine protected areas |
| Nice Ocean Action Plan | Signed by countries at the UN Ocean Conference, committing to protect marine life |
| Plastic production | Estimated at 390.7 million metric tonnes in 2021, with inadequate waste disposal leading to marine pollution |
| Plastic in the ocean | Estimated 171 trillion pieces in the seas, threatening marine life and ecosystems |
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What You'll Learn
- The London Convention and London Protocol are international treaties to prevent ocean pollution
- Marine plastic pollution poses a threat to human and ocean health
- The UNEA is negotiating an international treaty to address plastic pollution
- Countries bordering the North Atlantic Ocean have reduced marine plastic pollution
- The Marine Regions Forum 2023 discussed ways to improve ocean governance
The London Convention and London Protocol are international treaties to prevent ocean pollution
There are ongoing negotiations for an international treaty to prevent ocean pollution. Marine plastic pollution poses a threat to the marine environment, affecting both human and ocean health. An international treaty is currently being negotiated under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) to provide a comprehensive global legal framework to address plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.
The London Convention and London Protocol are international treaties that provide an international standard and framework for countries to individually and collectively protect and preserve our oceans from pollution caused by the dumping of waste and other matter into the ocean. The London Convention, also known as the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, was drafted in 1972 and entered into force in 1975. The London Protocol, a separate treaty concluded in 1996, modernizes and will eventually replace the London Convention.
The main objective of the London Convention is to prevent the indiscriminate disposal at sea of wastes that could be liable for creating hazards to human health, harming living resources and marine life, damaging amenities, or interfering with other legitimate uses of the sea. The Convention extends its scope over "all marine waters other than the internal waters" of the States and prohibits the dumping of certain hazardous materials. It further requires a prior special permit for the dumping of a number of other identified materials and a prior general permit for other wastes or matter.
The purpose of the London Protocol is similar, but it is more restrictive. It includes the application of a "precautionary approach" as a general obligation and adopts a "reverse list" approach, which implies that all dumping is prohibited unless explicitly permitted. Incineration of wastes at sea is also prohibited. The London Convention and London Protocol Contracting Parties are required to submit an annual Ocean Dumping Report to the Secretariat for the London Convention and London Protocol at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The United States is a Contracting Party to the London Convention but is not a Contracting Party to the London Protocol. However, the United States has signed the London Protocol and implements most of its provisions through the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act. Through active participation in the annual joint meetings of the London Convention and London Protocol Scientific Groups, the United States contributes its scientific expertise to guide treaty implementation.
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Marine plastic pollution poses a threat to human and ocean health
Marine plastic pollution is a pressing issue that poses a significant threat to both human and ocean health. It is a transboundary problem that affects all land, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, driving biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. The presence of plastic in the marine environment has far-reaching consequences, and it is essential to address this issue through international cooperation and comprehensive measures.
Plastic pollution in the ocean stems from a combination of human activities on land and at sea. On land, plastic production, disposal, and use in various industries, such as road transportation, agriculture, food and beverage, packaging, and tourism, contribute to the problem. At sea, the use of plastics in fishing gear and shipping further exacerbates marine plastic pollution. The sources of marine debris are predominantly land-based, with trash, litter, and debris from construction, ports, industrial facilities, and stormwater runoff being major contributors.
The impact of marine plastic pollution on ocean health is profound. Floating plastic debris acts as a transport mechanism for invasive species and accumulates pollutants through persistent organic pollutants attaching to its surface. These pollutants are then transferred to marine life that ingests the plastic. Research has shown that a significant percentage of fish, seabirds, and marine mammals have ingested plastic, leading to detrimental effects on their health and survival. For example, plastic ingestion has caused fatalities in marine creatures due to ingestion, starvation, suffocation, infection, drowning, and entanglement.
Additionally, marine plastic pollution poses a threat to human health. Microplastics have been detected in human blood, placentas, food, and drinks, including tap water, beer, and salt. The chemicals used in plastic production are known to be carcinogenic and can cause various health disorders. The accumulation of plastic litter also impacts economies, affecting trade systems, income, and sectors such as tourism, fisheries, agriculture, and water safety.
Addressing marine plastic pollution requires a multifaceted approach. While some countries advocate for a voluntary national approach similar to the Paris Agreement, others push for a legally binding global treaty. Environmental organizations emphasize the need to go beyond waste management and include ecosystem protection in the treaty. Negotiations and discussions are ongoing, aiming to balance human wellbeing, economic activities, and environmental protection to comprehensively tackle the issue of marine plastic pollution.
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The UNEA is negotiating an international treaty to address plastic pollution
Marine plastic pollution poses a significant threat to the health of both humans and oceans. It is caused by human activities on land and at sea, including the production, use, and disposal of plastics. To address this issue, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) is currently negotiating an international treaty to provide a comprehensive global legal framework.
The process of negotiating this treaty has been ongoing. In November 2023, the third negotiating session, INC-3, was held in Nairobi, Kenya, where discussions took place and recognition was given to the participation of Indigenous and other non-civil society groups. However, some countries proposed a national approach with non-binding targets, while others pushed for a global approach to reduce plastic production and address the plastic pollution crisis.
The fourth session, INC-4, took place in Ottawa, Canada, in April 2024, with a focus on waste management and recycling. Despite these efforts, the negotiations faced challenges due to the influence of the plastic, petrochemical, and fossil fuel industries. Nevertheless, over 100 countries supported proposals to reduce plastic production, and more than 120 nations called for robust implementation measures.
The fifth and final planned session, INC-5, was held in Busan, Republic of Korea, in November 2024. However, negotiators from over 170 countries could not agree on measures to reduce plastic production. Despite this setback, the majority of countries are committed to a strong treaty, and the process continues with the ambition to create a legally binding agreement that addresses the full lifecycle of plastic, including its production, design, and disposal.
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Countries bordering the North Atlantic Ocean have reduced marine plastic pollution
Marine plastic pollution is a pressing issue that threatens marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and human and ocean health. While negotiations for a global agreement on plastic pollution are ongoing, countries bordering the North Atlantic Ocean have taken cooperative actions to reduce marine plastic pollution.
The connected nature of the marine environment means that coordinated efforts by countries sharing an ocean border can lead to more effective pollution control. A modelling framework was developed to determine the economic benefits of international cooperation for 16 countries bordering the North Atlantic Ocean. The framework revealed that a fully cooperative agreement could result in annual net benefits of approximately $36 billion and a significant 64% reduction in emissions.
However, it is important to acknowledge that these economic benefits may be distributed unequally among the cooperating countries. Nonetheless, the cooperative agreement has proven effective in reducing marine plastic pollution in the North Atlantic Ocean.
The countries bordering the North Atlantic Ocean include Bermuda, Kenya, Trinidad and Tobago, Israel, Latvia, Cyprus, Mauritius, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malaysia, Belize, and the Solomon Islands, among others. While the specific contributions of each country to reducing marine plastic pollution may vary, their collective efforts have led to positive outcomes.
Overall, the cooperative agreement among countries bordering the North Atlantic Ocean has been instrumental in mitigating marine plastic pollution, despite the unequal economic benefits. This demonstrates the potential for effective pollution control through international cooperation and highlights the importance of addressing plastic pollution at a global level.
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The Marine Regions Forum 2023 discussed ways to improve ocean governance
The Marine Regions Forum 2023, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in collaboration with the Republic of Seychelles, focused on improving ocean governance. The forum was coordinated by the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS), the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI), and TMG – Think Tank for Sustainability. It brought together experts and stakeholders from various marine regions to discuss pressing ocean issues and explore ways to enhance cooperation and coordination in ocean governance.
One of the key objectives of the forum was to strengthen ocean action at three levels: within marine regions, between marine regions, and in global processes. Governance at the regional level allows for customised management strategies tailored to each region's specific environmental and socioeconomic circumstances. It also provides flexibility and the opportunity to set ambitious goals. The forum emphasised the importance of a regional approach to ocean governance, with national actions coordinated at the regional level, assisting states in meeting their global commitments and sustainable development goals.
The Marine Regions Forum 2023 highlighted the need for collaboration and knowledge exchange to address ocean pollution effectively. It provided a platform for participants to share successes, challenges, and good practices in regional governance processes. Discussions centred on the common goal of improving ocean governance at national, regional, and global levels, with a focus on the Western Indian Ocean region and beyond. The forum also emphasised the role of science and policy-making in ocean governance, aiming to bring together diverse stakeholders, including scientists, policymakers, and rightsholders, to develop integrated approaches.
While there is a growing consensus on the need for global agreements and legally binding targets to address ocean pollution, there are differing approaches among nations. Some favour a top-down approach with legally binding targets, while others advocate for a voluntary, national approach based on country-specific capacities, similar to the Paris Agreement. Environmental organisations have criticised the sole focus on waste management, arguing for a more comprehensive treaty covering affected ecosystems and recognising the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Negotiations for a global agreement on plastic pollution, under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), are ongoing, with the next round aiming to balance human wellbeing, economic activities, and environmental protection.
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Frequently asked questions
The Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter 1972, also known as the London Convention, is one of the first international agreements for the protection of the marine environment from human activities. It addresses the deliberate disposal of wastes and other matters from vessels, aircraft, platforms, and other man-made structures at sea.
There have been several international efforts and agreements to address ocean pollution, such as the London Protocol and the High Seas Treaty. While these agreements provide a framework for protecting the oceans, the issue of plastic pollution remains a significant challenge. Negotiations and discussions are ongoing, with an increasing push for a global agreement specifically targeting plastic pollution.
One of the main challenges is the differing approaches among countries. Some favour a top-down approach with legally binding targets, while others advocate for a voluntary, national approach based on individual action plans. Additionally, economic interests, particularly those of oil-producing nations, can hinder progress as any commitment to reduce plastic production may impact their income.
