Impact of ship breaking on marine and coastal biodiversity: A requiem for environmental justice

Shipbreaking is a phrase to describe the disposal of obsolete ships. This process i s also called ship recycling, ship dismantling and ship scrapping. In the past shipbreaking was a very common industrial activity in many developed countries. It was a highly mechanised activity carried out at docks. Due to the increasing costs of environm ental, health and safety standards in developed countries, this industry was transferred to developing countries. The shipbreaking in developing countries involves a sequential chain of activities at the inter - tidal zone, beach and shore. Before beaching these vessels, oily wastes, chemicals and other hazardous substances are discharged into the sea to make the vessel ready for scrapping. This process severely impairs the water quality of the adjacent sea area which causes harmful impact on the coastal an d marine ecosystem. These shipbreaking yards are not only detrimental to the marine and coastal biodiversity but also represent significant health hazards to local people and workers..