ABSTRACT
This chapter resulted from the integration of three studies of marine pollution in the coastal waters surround Taiwan. Although the papers are scientific in nature, their relevance for this volume lies in their economic implications. Economic development, which is of the greatest importance for the continued support of human welfare, also utilizes the environment as an input for the disposal of wastes. This chapter documents the extent to which certain kinds of disposed residues may be found in Taiwan’s offshore area. Because the demand for a clean and safe environment increases with income, it can be expected that there will be popular support for efforts to monitor and control these and other residues. Solutions also involve significant trade-offs, which will require tact and bargaining.
