Marine Pollution Control Research Articles

Government response to marine pollution from ships

The Marine Pollution Control Unit (MPCU) is the competent national authority for discharging the Secretary of State for Transport responsibility for pollution from ships under the Prevention of Oil Pollution Act 1971 and subsequent legislation covering other hazardous substances. It is an integral part of The Coastguard Agency, an executive agency of The Department of Transport. MPCU is responsible for maintaining the National Contingency Plan, for monitoring and assessing all pollution incidents within UK waters including dealing with pollution from ships and for advising on/co-ordinating shoreline counter pollution operations, and for fostering and maintaining international relationships for mutual support.

The economics of marine pollution control

This paper argues that economics can provide an insight into the causes of marine pollution, as well as offering a framework for designing regulatory instruments by which pollution can be reduced. Disenchantment with ‘command and control’ approaches is contrasted with growing interest in economic approaches to pollution control, and the paper then goes on to examine the pro-active stance to environmental affairs now being taken by certain firms. While this more responsible attitude by business is to be welcomed, the paper concludes with the assertion that corporate environmentalism can never be a perfect substitute for government intervention in the management of the marine environment.

THE BRAER INCIDENT: SHETLAND ISLANDS, JANUARY 1993

ABSTRACT On Tuesday, January 5, 1993, the tanker Braer laden with 84,700 metric tons of Norwegian Gullfaks crude oil drifted aground at Garths Ness, Shetland Islands. Over the next eight days, the vessel's total cargo of crude oil was spilled. The Marine Pollution Control Unit immediately activated the Marine Emergencies Information Room in London and deployed staff to Shetland. It was agreed with Shetland Islands Council to establish a joint response center at Sumburgh Airport to coordinate and control the shoreline cleanup. The incident affected an area of international environmental importance and also threatened the local economy. Because of the lightness of Gullfaks crude and the severe weather, the bulk of the oil dispersed naturally and very little came ashore. The land beyond the shoreline was polluted by airborne oil spray carried on the storm force winds. Aerial spraying of dispersant on oil on the sea took place on three days. Some environmentally sensitive areas were protected by booms and dams. Of the 39 sites considered at risk, only 9 beaches and other sites merited cleaning.

Dynamic economic analysis of marine pollution prevention technologies: An application to double hulls and electronic charts

Marine pollution associated with shipping accidents has resulted in a Congressional mandate for double hulls on tankers in U.S. waters. In this paper, we formulate a social planner's problem using optimal control theory to examine the relative cost-effectiveness of double hulls and alternative pollution prevention technologies, and the optimal installation strategy for such technologies. The model encompasses the costs and benefits associated with shipping operations, damage to the marine environment, and investment in each technology. A computer simulation of the model is used to evaluate investment strategies for two technological options: double hulls and electronic chart systems. Results indicate that electronic charts may be a far more cost-effective approach to marine pollution control.

Marine pollution monitoring, assessment and control: UNEP's approach and strategy

Dr. Makram A. Gerges is Deputy Director in the Ocean and Coastal Areas Programme Activity Centre of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Nairobi, Kenya. This viewpoint forms a part of the paper presented at the «International Symposium on Marine Pollution-Mammals and Toxic Contaminants» in Kamogawa, Japan, during 5-9 February 1993

Modelling the Braer oil spill—A retrospective view

Following the grounding of the tanker Braer numerical model predictions of the movement of spilled oil were made available to several organizations including Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), the Marine Pollution Control Unit (MPCU) and The Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department (SOAFD). Two numerical models from different sources were employed. Both failed at the time to predict the fate of oil as revealed by field observations. This paper describes the hydrography of the area where the Braer disaster occurred and reviews some of the numerical modelling efforts that took place during the days following the spill. It describes simple models of advection and mixing which, in conjunction with observations of oil distribution, reproduce what is now believed to be the fate of the Braer oil. Finally the paper considers the developments required to improve the modelling of similar incidents in the future.

International dimensions of coastal zone management

Developments in international agreements, codes and other instruments since the late 1980s suggest major changes in approaching the control of marine pollution compared to those of a decade earlier. The conclusion of international agreements such as the OPRC Convention, revised Oslo/Paris Conventions and decisions taken in the London Dumping Convention, North Sea Ministerial Conference, International Maritime Organisation and other fora are in part based on revised concepts of pollution, environmental damage and management. The changing approach can be seen in the development of concepts such as precautionary action, best available technology, translocation and environmental restoration. Furthermore these ideas are increasingly reflected in coastal zone measures such as contingency planning, oil spill response, vessel traffic regulation, management and other coastal regulations. Enhanced interest in integrated planning, safety and environmental management in port and coastal areas has revived interest in institutional arrangements and highlighted the need for improved information systems to implement international standards and agreements effectively.

Strategy for the Control of Land-Based Sources of Marine Pollution in the Wider Caribbean Region

Abstract The pollution of the marine environment caused by land-based sources threatens or impairs the health of the ecosystems and the value of human uses of the coastal waters. the Contracting Parties to the Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region agreed to take all appropriate measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution. in the first meeting of the Contracting Parties, the development of a protocol on the control of marine pollution from land-based sources was recommended as a measure to protect the marine environment. A small group of experts from the Caribbean Region formulated a strategy for controlling land-based sources of marine pollution. Due to the diverse nature, resources and capabilities of the countries comprising the Region, the pollution control strategy suggested by the group of experts included the following techniques or their most appropriate combination: (1) pollution prevention measures, (2) effluent limitations, (3...

Oceanographic and modelling considerations in marine environmental protection

Mathematical models based on our understanding of oceanic processes are frequently used in the assessment and control of marine pollution. Although no general model is available, it is usually possible to provide some quantitative estimate of the impact of a practice. Reducing the inevitable uncertainty of the estimate requires the identification of key processes, through sensitivity analysis of the model output, followed by focused experimental or modelling work. Continued basic research is also required in order to improve the chances of discovering unforeseen factors that could lead to major revisions of present assessments.

Saving the Mediterranean: The Politics of International Environmental Cooperation. By Peter M. Haas. New York: Columbia University Press, 1990. 303p. $42.00.

This is an examination of the Med Plan, a largely successful and acclaimed international effort to co-ordinate the marine pollution control practices of the Mediterranean countries through regional treaties, research and monitoring, integrated policies and administrative and budgetary support. The study concludes that the Plan proves that international co-operation and convergent state policies are possible and that the Plan may signal the emergence of an entirely new, international political order for the environment.

“Developing Sustainability” and the Emerging Norms of International Environmental Law: The Case of Land-Based Marine Pollution Control

SommaireBien que la pollution marine d'origine tellurique soit de loin la plus importante source de pollution marine, ce problème n'occupe pas une place dominante dans la réglementation internationale en matière d'environnement. Cet article examine les tentatives de réglementation de la pollution d'origine tellurique et fait des propositions pour son élaboration future. Il soutient principalement que la réglementation de la pollution d'origine tellurique a un impact direct d'une telle importance sur les objectifs économiques nationaux qu'il nous faut concevoir une nouvelle forme d'intégration du droit international de l'environnement et du développement économique international, si l'on veut réussir à contrôler cette forme de pollution. La Conférence des Nations Unies sur l'environnement et le développement ayant lieu bientôt, le temps est propice à l'action innovatrice.L'article étudie en premier lieu le droit coutumier applicable, puis il examine les conventions internationales en fonction du niveau de contrainte de leurs dispositions: engagements non contraignants; obligations générales; obligations particulières précises; engagements institutionnels concrets envers l'adoption de mesures. Il discute également d'une série de conventions régionales adoptées dans le cadre et en dehors du Programme des mers régionales du Programme des Nations Unies pour l'environnement, dont les principes directeurs sur la pollution d'origine tellurique élaborés à Montréal en 1985. Il analyse ensuite ces instruments et discute des éléments suivants: la définition de la pollution; le caractère des obligations fondamentales; la gamme d'obligations relatives à l'application des mesures (y compris la surveillance, les stratégies de contrôle, la gestion intégrée, l'exécution et la responsabilité); l'assistance financière et les arrangements institutionnels. Les failles de la réglementation sont analysées à la lumière de l'ampleur croissante du conflit entre les intérêts économiques et la protection de l'environnement.En conclusion, il recommande des changements et souligne l'intérêt grandissant pour ce domaine, particulièrement dans le contexte de la Conférence des Nations Unies sur l'environnement et de développement qui aura lieu au Brésil en 1992. Enfin, il propose une nouvelle approche “préventive” pour la réglementation en matière d'environnement et étudie les moyens de concilier protection de l'environnement et développement lors de l'élaboration des instruments juridiques futurs.

Determinación del aporte de materia orgánica del Manglar en la zona de Bocagrande

During the months of may/88 to February/89, the Marine Pollution Control Section of the CCCP, made ten (10) monthly samplings in nine (09) stations located in the Mira River and two located in the Tumaco Inlet; the last ones to follow the variation in concentration of oil and grease brought by the Mira River into the sea. The main objetive was to determine how all the sewage from the African Palm Oil Industries, affect the phisycal-chemical parametres that caracterize the quality of the water. The concentration of oil and Grease showed its highest valúes in the stations on the Mira River, specially in the Imbilí Station with a médium value of 3.14 mg/L and the lowest in Playa (Mira River), Bajito and Morro (both stations in the Inlet) With 0.22, 0.33 and 0.39 mg/L respectively. The lowest valué of Ph in the stations on the Mira River was found Imbilí with 6.55 and the highest in Padilla with 7.48. The concentration of Dissolved Oxigen in the Mira River showed its highest valúes in the Acueducto and Playa Stations with 6.01 and 6.00 mm/L. Respectively. The Oxigen Biochemical Demand showed its highest values in the Herrera and Imbilí Stations with valúes of 1.55 and 1.88 ml/L respectively and lower in the Guandalajo Station with a valué of 0.54 ml/L. The Water Surface Temperatura, The Dissolved Solids, The Suspended Solids, The Ph and The Salinity, showed the highest vedues in the Stations located on the sea, that is, Bajito and Morro. The lowest turbidity was also present in these two stations. The nutrient values in these two stations were lower than the values in the River Stations. The valúes for Surface Temperatura, Salinity, Dissolved Oxigen, Oxigen Biochemical Demand and Nutrients in the Stations Located in the Tumaco Inlet (Sea), were not significant different than the characteristic valúes, recordad in previus studies of CCCP (Zapata, 1986). From The analysis of the results it is concluded that during the dry season when the stream of the river becomes low the concentration of Orease and Oil becomes higher like the values for OBD and turbidity, while the valúes of Ph and Dissolved Oxigen become low which is a clear significance of a starting degradation of the Quality of the Water.

DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL MARINE POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION FOR THE U.S.S.R. IN 1987–1988

ABSTRACT An important event setting the course of further development for the National Marine Pollution Control Administration (NMPCA) was the establishment in January 1988 of the U.S.S.R. State Committee for Nature Protection (Goskompriroda) aimed at improving nature protection management and the control of natural resources. It is along these lines that measures to improve the preparedness of the NMPCA response teams to combat an oil spill at sea have to be intensified. Thus in addition to the existing response teams in the ports of Batumi, Ventspils, Klaipeda, Murmansk, Novorossisk, Nakhodka, Baku, and Odessa, a response team was established in Korsakov in the Far East Basin. There are also plans to establish one or two response teams in the northern regions as well as smaller auxiliary response teams in areas of high pollution risk. During the past two years, the environmental fleet of the U.S.S.R. has acquired eight multipurpose vessels with oil skimming capability, and two large dredge/skimmers—the Professor Goryunov and the Vaidagubsky. In 1989-90 additional seagoing environmental vessels will be constructed. State-of-the-art oil skimming systems have been acquired for all response teams. These steps have made it possible to create the material facilities and technological capability necessary for maintaining initial response readiness to combat major oil spills and to further improve the organization and methods of oil pollution control. As a new possibility for the future, plans are being considered to delegate to NMPCA certain rescue operations at sea. This would expand its role in oil spill response by improving technical capabilities and personnel training. A design is being considered for a sea-going salvage vessel which would also have the capability for rapid delivery and deployment of containment booms as well as the transfer of personnel and special equipment. Work is in progress to develop auxiliary equipment including coastal booms and shipboard portable oil skimmers. Work has been initiated to develop a baseline program to support contingency plans for hazardous chemical substances response (through identification of cargoes, traffic patterns, and risk zones, etc.). Considerable efforts are in progress to improve existing and develop new basin, zone, and regional contingency plans which would provide

Regional measures for marine pollution control in the Mediterranean

Regional measures for marine pollution control in the Mediterranean

The Environmental Capacity Approach to the Control of Marine Pollution: The Case of Copper in the Krka River Estuary

Abstract The Krka River estuary (Yugoslav Eastern Adriatic region near the town of Sibenik) with its Prokljan basin, and copper as water contaminant) is used to model a management strategy based on the environmental (assimilative, absorptive, receiving) capacity. This estuarine region is faced with conflicting land and sea use activities, such as mariculture for salmonids, and mooring of pleasure boats and yachting. All these activities in the Prokljan region are additional to industrial effluents originating from the industrial town of Knin, and in the particular case of copper, land-based run-off from vineyards. The present level of total contaminant load is still not excessive, but the potential of the estuarine basin for mariculture requires anticipatory restrictions which depend on the extent and nature of activities to be accommodated. The calculation of environmental capacity and the ensuing conclusions are based on the available information on hydrology, physical, chemical and sedimentological pro...

海洋汚染のとらえ方

海洋汚染のとらえ方

New Directions in Ship-generated Marine Pollution Control: The New Law of the Sea and Developing Countries*

New Directions in Ship-generated Marine Pollution Control: The New Law of the Sea and Developing Countries*

In quest of an Arctic legal regime: Marine regionalism — a concept of international law evaluated

This article examines the regional approach as a solution to prevent marine pollution in the Arctic Ocean, which may result from land-based sources, offshore operations, and international shipping. It is argued that both the global and unilateral approach are inadequate to protect the polar sea appropriately — for the sake of its relatively untouched environment, the coastal areas of the Arctic states, and for the culture and life style of the indigenous inhabitants. Consequently, this essay assesses the status quo of international marine pollution control as established by conventions and other instruments and leads, after an outline of present regional treaties of the various marine regions, to an application of marine regionalism to the Arctic Ocean.

UNITED KINGDOM MARINE POLLUTION CONTINGENCY PLANNING—A REVIEW OF THE LAST TWO YEARS

ABSTRACT A report presented two years ago at this Conference described United Kingdom marine pollution contingency planning and a number of changes that had been identified. Progress has been made in these areas and further areas for change have been identified. Responsibility for dealing with marine pollution has been centralized in a Marine Pollution Control Unit, and to this has now been added responsibility for Her Majesty's Coastguard as well as for marine casualties around the U.K., with authority vested in one post—Director, Marine Emergency Operations. Work on developing contingency plans for bulk chemical spills also has begun and some research effort has been redirected from oil spill problems to this area.

Risk-Sharing and Liability in the Control of Stochastic Externalities

This paper analyzes alternative policies for controlling stochastic externalities, considering both the incentive and the risk-sharing effects of each. When polluter actions are unobservable so that regulation is not possible, alternative liability rules including zero, partial, and full liability are compared. When actions are observable, then regulation is possible, and the use of regulation is compared to the use of liability. The principal-agent paradigm provides the analytical approach used to determine the efficient policy choice. The effect of the availability of insurance is also addressed. This paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of the analysis for the control of stochastic marine pollution.