2. Marine Pollution

Abstract

The annual meetings of the two major global treaties concerned with ocean dumping took place on 19–23 September at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters in London in order to review progress on the implementation of the treaties as well as to discuss the major issues and challenges in relation to dumping at sea. The meetings were open to the parties to both the 1972 Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter (London Convention) and its 1996 Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter (London Protocol). In line with past practice, the thirty-eighth consultative meeting of contracting parties to the London Convention and the eleventh meeting of contracting parties to the London Protocol took place simultaneously, and many of the discussions and decisions pertained to both instruments. This year marked twenty years since the adoption of the London Protocol and ten years since its entry into force. However, there was not necessarily a celebratory mood at the meeting, perhaps in part because of the acknowledgement of the serious challenges that lie ahead for the dumping regime. While the treaties look impressive on paper, there are serious gaps in implementation. The 2016 meetings were therefore focused on identifying what further action can be taken to consolidate the international dumping regime. In this regard, the 2016 meetings received updates on the status of the two treaties and related compliance issues; adopted the London Convention–London Protocol Strategic Plan; carried out discussions of marine geo-engineering and carbon dioxide sequestration; reviewed practices relating to dumping of radioactive wastes, vessels, and mine tailings; and discussed the contribution of the dumping regime to reducing marine litter.