Convention on the Prevention Marine Pollution by Other Matter (London Convention 1972)

Objectives To prevent indiscriminate disposal at sea of wastes liable to create hazards to human health, to harm living resources and marine life, to damage amenities, or to interfere with other legitimate uses of the sea. The fundamental principle of the Convention is the prohibition of dumping of certain wastes, the requirement of a specific permit prior to dumping ofothers, and the demand for a general permit for the rest. The first two categories are determined by Annexes.

Scope Legal scope Open for accession by 'any state'. Not open to regional integration organizations. Interand non-governmental organizations participate with observer status at the Consultative Meetings of the Contracting Parties of the Convention.