ABSTRACT
Threats to biodiversity can be broadly categorized as a result of overharvesting, pollution, habitat loss, introduced species, ocean acidification and global climate change. The first international marine treaties were established to address the exploitation of marine mammals and fish stocks. The Law of the Sea Convention (LOSC) affirms that states have the rights to exploit their living marine resources through to their exclusive economic zone (about 200 nautical miles offshore). It also requires states to protect and preserve the marine environment. The LOSC is an overarching treaty covering all human activities on the ocean. It requires that states prevent, reduce and control pollution and interference with the ecological balance of the marine environment; protect and preserve rare or fragile ecosystems as well as the habitat of depleted, threatened or endangered species and other forms of marine life; and prevent the spread of alien (introduced) species. Other binding conventions that contribute to marine environmental protection fall under the umbrella of LOSC and include the ‘London Convention’ (on dumping), ‘Ballast Water Convention’, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (‘MARPOL’), the ‘Basel Convention’ (hazardous waste movement and disposal), the World Heritage Convention, and the Convention on Biological Diversity. There are several non-binding agreements that also contribute to marine environmental protection, including the ‘Global Program of Action’ under UN Environment, ‘Plans of Action’ under the Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN, and UN General Assembly resolutions. A total of 143 states participate in 18 Regional Seas programmes that address the degradation of coastal and marine areas.
