International Marine Issues
Cray Fishing Boat, David Osborne
By far the greatest sources of marine pollution are those that are land-based. For both pollution mitigation purposes and the conservation of marine biodiversity it is critical that international efforts to address land based sources of marine pollution are accelerated. In answer to this pressing need and as a result of Agenda 21, the Global Program of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities (GPA) was adopted by over 100 governments, including Australia, in Washington D.C. on 3 November 1995.
The GPA is a non-legally binding instrument, aimed at preventing the degradation of the marine environment from land-based activities by facilitating the realisation of the duty of States to preserve and protect the marine environment. The sources of marine pollution it targets include sewage, persistent organic pollutants, radioactivity, metals, oils, nutrients, sediment mobilisation, litter and habitat destruction. It proposes action at primarily the national and regional levels with some coordination tasks at the global level. The GPA is designed to be a source of practical guidance to States in taking actions within their respective policies, priorities and resources.
Australia has been an active participant in meetings to discuss the development, implementation and review of the GPA. The GPA in Australia.
Examples of Australian initiatives to address marine pollution from shipping include:
Australia is a signatory to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution from Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter (London Convention 1972) and the 1996 Protocol thereto.
The Department of the Environment and Heritage prepares regular newsletters to provide industry generally with information about the London Convention and the Protocol, Australia's participation at London Convention meetings, and details of opportunities for industry participation at such meetings.
Australia currently regulates the deliberate loading, dumping and incineration of waste at sea under the Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981. The waters surrounding Australia's coastline are increasingly threatened by pollution from wastes dumped at sea. To reduce this threat, there are Australian Government laws that control dumping at sea.
Permits from The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts are required for all sea dumping operations.
