2 International Shipping Activities and the Marine Environment
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Assembly - IMO Resolution A.982(24) – Revised Guidelines for the Identification and Designation of Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas – (Adopted on 1 December 2005) - Annex – Revised Guidelines for the Identification and Designation of Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas - 2 International Shipping Activities and the Marine Environment

2 International Shipping Activities and the Marine Environment

  2.1 Shipping activity can constitute an environmental hazard to the marine environment in general and consequently even more so to environmentally and/or ecologically sensitive areas. Environmental hazards associated with shipping include:

  • .1 operational discharges;

  • .2 accidental or intentional pollution; and

  • .3 physical damage to marine habitats or organisms.

  2.2 Adverse effects and damage may occur to the marine environment and the living resources of the sea as a result of shipping activities. With the increase in global trade, shipping activities are also increasing, thus including greater potential for adverse effects and damage. In the course of routine operations, accidents, and wilful acts of pollution, ships may release a wide variety of substances either directly into the marine environment or indirectly through the atmosphere. Such releases include oil and oily mixtures, noxious liquid substances, sewage, garbage, noxious solid substances, anti-fouling systems, harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens, and even noise. In addition, ships may cause harm to marine organisms and their habitats through physical impact. These impacts may include the smothering of habitats, contamination by anti-fouling systems or other substances through groundings, and ship strikes of marine mammals.

Parent topic: Annex – Revised Guidelines for the Identification and Designation of Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas
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