Protecting the Maritime Zones from Pollution by Coastal State: A Legal Analysis of the Law of the Sea

Abstract

Pollution of the marine environment is a global issue as many economic activities are engaged via the maritime zones to the extent that 16% of the people live in the coast, 90% of trade goes by sea and 85% of the coast is developed while at the same time rising sea level by 3mm every year. This study gives an analysis of the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and how far it provides powers to the coastal state in protecting their maritime zones and preventing pollution. It concludes that the coastal states have sufficient powers to protect their marine zones against pollution caused by vessels ranging from detention, institute proceedings, receiving sufficient information and claiming monetary damages from an infringing vessel.

Keywords: maritime, zones, pollution, coastal, state, law, sea.