ABSTRACT
At the heart of the London and OSPAR Conventions, and many other conventions as well, are two basic principles (the precise wording varies and is here abbreviated):
a) The precautionary principle, by which preventative measures are to be taken when there are reasonable grounds for concern that substances or energy introduced into the marine environment may bring about hazard, harm, damage or interference, even when there is no conclusive evidence of a causal relationship between inputs and the effects.
