Oil in Neptune's kingdom: problems and responses to contain environmental degradation of the oceans by oil pollution

Journal Article · · Environ. Aff.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5987798

Kalsi, S S

Oil is one of the worst pollutants of the oceans because it is poisonous to marine life. Tankers, offshore oil drilling, and oil pumping by ships are significant sources of oil pollution. Another serious problem with oil pollution is its transnational character. International treaties relating to the control of oil pollution of the high seas have proven to be ineffective due to lack of enforcement and insufficient penalities. To fill the legal vacuum left by weak international treaties, Canada, in 1970, took unprecedented unilateral action in expanding its national contiguous zones for control of oil pollution. Until effective treaties are negotiated, other coastal states should also expand their contiguous zone jurisdictions. Principles of prevention of oil pollution, including such preventive measures as onshore oil residue reception facilities, ship construction standards, and navigation regulation, and such restorative measures as clean-up after spill, are discussed. Eventually, all intentional oil discharges should be prohibited and strict liability should be imposed for all oil spills.

• Research Organization: Cummins Engine Co., Inc., Columbus, IN
• OSTI ID: 5987798
• Journal Information: Environ. Aff.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Aff.; (United States) Vol. 3:1; ISSN EVAFB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520200* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CANADA
COASTAL REGIONS
INTERNATIONAL LAWS
LAWS
LEGISLATION
NORTH AMERICA
OFFSHORE OPERATIONS
OIL SPILLS
POLLUTION
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
WATER POLLUTION