Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter (London Convention 1972)

To prevent indiscriminate disposal at sea of wastes liable to create hazards to human health, to harm living resources and marine life, to damage amenities, or to interfere with other legitimate uses of the sea. The fundamental principle of the Convention is the prohibition of dumping of certain wastes, the requirement of a specific permit prior to dumping of others, and the demand for a general permit for the rest. The first two categories are determined by Annexes.