The scientific basis of marine pollution control

The author examines the scientific basis of the work of the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution (GESAMP). Problems of definition and methodology are discussed, and the work of GESAMP working groups on, among others, Marine Waste Disposal, Coastal Water Quality Criteria and the Impact of Oil on the Marine Environment are reported. The author concludes that marine pollution control at the international level has not been able to make much practical headway because political expectations have outstripped scientific and administrative possibilities.Environmental pollution International organizations Marine environment tests