MARINE POLLUTION-EFFECT AND MANAGEMENT

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the growing problem of marine pollution, its ecological and economic effects, and the national and international efforts to manage it. It identifies the major sources of marine pollution, including land-based runoff, shipping activities, offshore oil and gas exploration, and the dumping of waste. The study details the harmful effects of various pollutants, such as oil, heavy metals, plastics, and nutrient runoff, on marine ecosystems, fisheries, and human health. The research then shifts to an analysis of the management frameworks designed to combat this threat. It reviews the key international conventions, such as the London Dumping Convention and MARPOL, and assesses their effectiveness. The paper argues that despite the existence of a growing body of international environmental law, its implementation and enforcement remain weak. The analysis concludes by calling for a more integrated and holistic approach to marine environmental protection, emphasizing the need for stronger national policies and enhanced regional cooperation.

The health of the world's oceans is under increasing threat from a wide range of pollutants originating from human activities. This paper examines the causes, effects, and management of marine pollution. The first part of the study systematically categorizes the major sources of pollution. It highlights that land-based sources, such as agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilizers, and untreated industrial and municipal wastewater, are the largest contributors to the problem. It also provides a detailed analysis of pollution from maritime transport, focusing on operational discharges from ships and the catastrophic environmental damage caused by major oil spills. The second part of the paper documents the devastating effects of this pollution. It explains how nutrient enrichment leads to coastal "dead zones," how plastic debris harms marine wildlife through ingestion and entanglement, and how persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals accumulate in the marine food web, ultimately posing a threat to human health. The final section is a critical assessment of the legal and institutional frameworks for managing marine pollution. It provides an overview of the key global and regional agreements, such as the MARPOL convention for the prevention of pollution from ships. The findings suggest that while a sophisticated body of international law has been developed, a significant "implementation gap" exists, caused by a lack of political will, inadequate monitoring, and weak enforcement mechanisms, particularly at the national level. The paper concludes that protecting the marine environment requires a transition from a piecemeal, sector-based approach to a more integrated, ecosystem-based management strategy.