Introductory Course to the International Legal Framework on Marine Pollution Auteur institution UNEP/InforMEA Date 2016 Source IUCN (ID: MON-092674) Titre (Espagnol) Curso introductorio al marco jurídico internacional sobre la contaminación marina Éditeur | Lieu de publication UNEP | www Type du document Matériel d'instruction/d'éducation Langue Anglais, Espagnol Champ d'application International Sujet Mer Mot clé Poissons marins Pollution de la mer Accord international-mise en oeuvre Accord international-texte Aire marine Résumé Seas and oceans perform important ecological functions and provide many benefits to human beings. They are home to numerous animals, plants and other marine organisms that form marine ecosystems and support the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people. Diverse marine organisms and their genetic resources could hold cures for many of the ailments that we face. Marine fishing is fundamental to the economies of many countries. Fish and many other marine organisms cannot survive in polluted waters that are toxic to them. Marine organisms that are used for food can become contaminated with substances such as mercury, which is harmful to human beings. In addition to chemical substances, items like fishing lines, metal rings, straps, glass and plastics hamper the mobility of marine animals. Land-based sources account for the 82% of the total marine pollution. They include sewage outfalls, industrial discharges, runoff from urban storm-water and agriculture, river borne and airborne pollution, and litter. Vessel-based sources include operational discharges such as bilge water discharges, but not the operation of a vessel for the purpose of discharging waste, as that is dumping. Pollution from vessels can take the forms of oil, chemicals, lost cargo and equipment, sewage, garbage, fumes and invasive exotic species. Dumping is the deliberate disposal of wastes at sea. Offshore activity generates minor pollution primarily through the use of oily drilling muds and by production blow outs. This course introduces you to the international legal framework on marine pollution, which covers global and regional legally binding and non-legally binding agreements addressing different sources of pollution. At the end of this course, you will be able to: 1.Define and distinguish different sources of marine pollution 2.Identify global and regional agreements and initiatives addressing marine pollution The course is comprised of 6 units. Each unit includes a book with links to the InforMEA glossary and relevant documents and websites, additional materials and videos. It will take you 1 and a half hours approximately to complete the course, excluding additional materials. You can manage your time as you wish and retake the course whenever it is more convenient for you. After completing all the units and passing the quiz with an 80% of correct responses, you will receive a certificate of completion. Site web e-learning.informea.org