Monitoring marine pollution

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends establishing or improving, as necessary, regulatory and monitoring programmes to control effluent discharges and emissions, including the development and application of control and recycling technology.

Some seabirds ingest sub-lethal quantities of oil from spills or from low-level, long-term pollution. Storm-petrels (Procellariiformes) are widely distributed throughout all the major oceans of the world and can serve as effective monitors of marine environmental quality and could contribute to protecting marine resources.

The Mediterranean Pollution Monitoring and Research Programme (MED POL) receives national monitoring data from 20 Mediterranean countries.

1. Respecting marine commons
2. Reducing marine pollution
3. Protecting marine environment
4. Monitoring water pollution
5. Monitoring changes in the marine environment

1. Monitoring marine pollution from ships
2. Monitoring accumulation of pollutants in marine wildlife

1. Studying marine pollution
2. Reporting marine pollution
3. Monitoring sustainable quality of life
4. Integrating pollution control and biodiversity conservation
5. Exchanging information on marine pollution causes
6. Conserving cetacean species
7. Cleaning up marine pollution

1. Strengthening regulation of marine pollution
2. Assisting coastal and island states to expand marine research capabilities

1. Researching transboundary water pollution
2. Monitoring conservation of coral reefs

1. Vulnerability of marine ecosystems
2. Unethical practice of marine sciences
3. Marine pollution

1. Pollution
2. Damage