Maritime belongs to a lucrative engine of worlds trade and is one of the industries that may transport goods and boost economic growth in various economies. Nonetheless, it presents serious environmental issues as well, especially the pollution of the seas and a deterioration of the biodiversity. To this end, this paper examines what legal frameworks have to do with solving these challenges, drawing on how the International Maritime Organization (IMO) MARPOL Convention and national maritime environmental legislation have been enforced. A critical assessment of both international and national legal initiatives allows the research to conclude on the efficacy of available mechanisms of control, which are promulgation, reporting, and sanctioning of bad practices in the waters beyond national jurisdiction. The study uses appropriate case studies to depict actual success and failures of enforcement as well as existing gaps between the law and its execution. The paper also determines the methods that can be used to enhance compliance, accountability, and sustainable maritime activities through the analysis of these frameworks. The paper underlines the significance of global and transnational cooperation, environmental aspects in the realization of maritime governance as well as novel methods of enforcement. Finally, the conclusions will be useful in creating a case that can be used by policymakers, regulators, and other stakeholders of maritime businesses that they believe need to strike a balance between serving international trade and safeguarding the marine environment.
Paul Ebohsetale Atamewan (2023) studied this question.