Global findings estimate that 80 per cent of marine pollution originates from land-based sources and is trans-boundary in nature. These problems persist in spite of a number of legal and policy initiatives taken to protect the marine environment. This volume explores the applications and shortcomings of current international regimes in addressing these issues. The book identifies the sources and effects of land-based marine pollution and analyzes the problems of controlling them. Management principles, policy and regulation are examined at both regional and international level. The author discusses the strengths and weaknesses of existing regimes and advances a more effective international legal framework. The text provides a valuable insight into an important area of international environmental law. It will be of interest to researchers and policy-makers working in this area.

This authoritative Handbook examines the current state of and the future challenges for international law in addressing the key activities that pose threats to the marine environment. It provides a critical analysis of, and constructive solutions for, the international legal regime for the protection of the marine environment and identifies areas of vital research need for the future. The in-depth chapters, written by emerging and established experts in their fields, explore the legal framework for protection of the marine environment and look at issues such as pollution, seabed activities, and climate change as well as discussing the protection of marine biodiversity and considering regional approaches to the protection of the marine environment. Each chapter goes beyond a survey of existing law to identify the shortcomings in the legal regime and areas of critical research needed to address these shortcomings. This timely book provides significant insights into contemporary issues surrounding the efficacy of the regime created by the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention and details the further work needed to ensure the design and implementation of effective regulation and management of human activities that affect the marine environment. Students and academics researching in the law of the sea and environmental law will find the Handbook central to their subject areas. The analyses and reform proposals are an invaluable resource for government and policy practitioners, as well as IGOs and NGOs involved in marine environmental issues.

This book reviews the practice of shared responsibility in multiple issue areas of international law, to assess its application and development.