Economic measures to protect the environment

Abstract

trol of land-based sources of marine pollution lies in the interrelationship between economic and environmental policies. National governments should be encouraged to use economic instruments to support and improve existing regulatory systems. It is likely that economic instruments drawn from the categories of charges, subsidies and financial enforcement incentives will be of the greatest assistance in protecting the marine environment. Economic instruments, because they can be self financing, making use of markets and allocating costs between polluters, are generally, more efficient than a strictly regulatory approach. It is recommended that a high priority be given to research into economic instruments and their appli~tion where appropriate to land-based sources of marine pollution.