International Agreements and Regulations to Reduce Ocean Pollution

The MARPOL Convention (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) is a comprehensive agreement that addresses various sources of pollution from ships, including oil, chemicals, sewage, and garbage.

The London Convention (Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter) aims to prevent marine pollution by regulating the dumping of wastes and other harmful substances into the ocean.

The Basel Convention (Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal) aims to control the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal, including those that may end up in the ocean.

The Cartagena Convention (Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region) aims to protect the marine environment of the Wider Caribbean Region from pollution and other harmful activities.

The Stockholm Convention (Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants) aims to eliminate or reduce the production, use, and release of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) into the environment, including the marine environment.

The Helsinki Convention (Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area) aims to prevent marine pollution and protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea.

The Barcelona Convention (Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean) aims to protect the marine environment of the Mediterranean Sea from pollution and other harmful activities.

The OSPAR Convention (Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic) aims to prevent marine pollution and protect the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic.

The OPRC Convention (International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation) aims to ensure preparedness, response, and cooperation in the event of oil spills and other hazardous substances at sea.

The Kuwait Regional Convention (Regional Convention for Cooperation on the Protection of the Marine Environment from Pollution) aims to prevent marine pollution and protect the marine environment of the Gulf region.

The Antarctic Treaty (Antarctic Treaty System) includes a protocol on environmental protection that aims to prevent marine pollution and protect the marine environment of the Antarctic region.

The Abidjan Convention (Convention for Cooperation in the Protection and Development of the Marine and Coastal Environment of the West and Central African Region) aims to prevent marine pollution and protect the marine environment of the West and Central African region.

The MARPOL Convention includes Annex V, which specifically addresses the prevention of pollution by ship-generated garbage and provides regulations for the disposal of garbage at sea.

The Jeddah Convention (Regional Convention for the Conservation of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Environment) aims to prevent marine pollution and protect the marine environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The Arctic Council has adopted a number of agreements and guidelines aimed at preventing marine pollution and protecting the marine environment of the Arctic region.