MARITIME POLLUTION: TYPES, CAUSES, SOURCES, EFFECTS, PREVENTION LAWS GUARDING MARITIME POLLUTION AND SOLUTIONS TO MARITIME POLLUTION

 

Chukwuemeka A. Nnabuife ACIS

INTRODUCTION

Maritime pollution is a significant environmental concern, with various sources of pollution affecting the marine ecosystem. In Nigeria, maritime pollution is a major issue, with oil spills being a significant source of pollution. The country's maritime industry is regulated by various laws and regulations, which aim to prevent and mitigate maritime pollution. The Earth is covered with almost 2/3rd of its portion with ocean water. Ocean water plays a very important role in maintaining our ecology. Not only ecology but oceans have many other reasons that make one the important parts of mankind such as trade, industry, adventure, commerce, food etc. Marine pollution is a combination of chemicals and trash, which come from land sources and are washed and blown into water bodies like the ocean, sea, rivers etc. This pollution results in damage to the environment, to the health of all organisms and to economic structures worldwide (http://education.nationalgeographic.org.) [1]

TYPES OF MARINE POLLUTION

Marine pollution, i.e., ocean pollution, has become one of the biggest threats due to industrialization and agricultural activities. It is hazardous not only for the water kingdom but also for human beings. (www.earthreminder.com) [2]. There are different types of marine pollution namely; 

 Noise Pollution:  Underwater noise from shipping, sonar, and offshore construction (Williams et al., 2015) [3]. Chemical Pollution: Includes oil spills, heavy metals (e.g., mercury, lead), fertilizers, pesticides, and industrial chemicals (United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP], 2021) [4]. Plastic and Solid Waste Pollution: Encompasses plastics (e.g., microplastics, bags, fishing nets), garbage, and other debris (Jambeck et al., 2015) [5]. Thermal Pollution: Elevated water temperatures from industrial discharges (e.g., power plants) (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA], 2020). Biological Pollution: Introduction of invasive species or pathogens, often via ballast water from ships (International Maritime Organization [IMO], 2022) [6]. Sewage Pollution: Untreated or partially treated human waste and wastewater (World Health Organization (WHO, 2018) [7]. 

CAUSES OF MARITIME POLLUTION

 Human Activities: Industrial runoff, shipping operations, fishing, tourism, and coastal development (UNEP, 2021) [8]. Accidental Releases: Oil spills from tankers, pipeline leaks, or offshore drilling accidents (ITOPF, 2023) [9].

Natural Events (Exacerbated by Humans): Runoff from storms carrying pollutants from land into the sea, worsened by deforestation or urbanization (NOAA, 2020) [10]. Negligence or Poor Regulation: Illegal dumping, inadequate waste management, or lax enforcement of environmental laws (UNEP, 2021) [11]. Technological Factors: Use of loud equipment (e.g., sonar) or release of ballast water containing foreign organisms (IMO, 2022) [12]. 

 SOURCES OF MARITIME POLLUTION

Land-Based Sources (80% of marine pollution): 

Agricultural runoff (fertilizers, pesticides), industrial discharges, sewage systems, and litter from rivers and coastal areas 

Ocean-Based Sources  

Shipping (oil leaks, ballast water, waste dumping), offshore oil and gas exploration, and fishing (discarded nets, gear) 

Atmospheric Sources

 Pollutants like carbon dioxide, sulfur compounds, or microplastics are carried by wind and deposited into the ocean (IPCC, 2021) [13]. Coastal Activities 

Tourism (littering, sewage from resorts), ports, and urban runoff from cities near coastlines (Jambeck et al., 2015) [14].

EFFECTS OF MARITIME POLLUTION

 Environmental Impact   Marine Life: 

Oil coats animals (e.g., birds, and seals), plastics are ingested by fish and turtles, and chemicals bio accumulates in food chains. Ecosystem Disruption: 

Coral bleaching from thermal pollution, oxygen depletion from sewage (eutrophication), and habitat destruction from noise or debris. Biodiversity Loss: 

Invasive species outcompete natives; pollutants reduce reproductive success. Human Health Risks   Contaminated seafood (e.g., mercury in fish) poses risks like neurological damage or cancer (WHO, 2018) [15].   Pathogens from sewage can cause diseases like cholera or hepatitis Micro plastics in water and food chains are an emerging health concern.

Economic Consequences  

Fisheries decline, costing jobs and food security (FAO, 2022) [16].   Tourism suffers from polluted beaches or dead zones (e.g., the Gulf of Mexico’s hypoxic zones). Cleanup costs for oil spills or waste removal strain budgets (e.g., the 2010 Deep-water Horizon spill cost billions).

Climate Feedback Loops   Ocean acidification from CO2 absorption harms shellfish and coral, while plastic breakdown releases greenhouse gases.

PREVENTION OF MARITIME POLLUTION Regulatory Measures   International agreements like MARPOL (Annexes I-VI) regulate ship-based pollution, banning oil discharges and garbage dumping at sea. 

The Ballast Water Management Convention mandates treatment systems to prevent invasive species spread.

Technological Solutions   The use of double-hulled tankers reduces oil spill risks.

Noise-reducing ship designs (e.g., quieter propellers) mitigate underwater noise pollution. Advanced wastewater treatment systems on ships and coastal facilities prevent sewage discharge. Land-Based Interventions   Improved agricultural practices (e.g., reduced fertilizer use, buffer zones) limit runoff.

Plastic bags and recycling programs decrease solid waste entering oceans.

Public Awareness and Action  

Campaigns like the UN’s “Clean Seas” educate communities and promote beach cleanups. Citizen science and monitoring help track pollution sources. Enforcement and Monitoring   Satellite tracking and stricter penalties deter illegal dumping  Regular water quality assessments ensure compliance with environmental standards 

LAWS REGULATING MARITIME POLLUTION IN NIGERIA

Some of the key laws regulating maritime pollution in Nigeria include:

1. Merchant Shipping Act 2007: This Act regulates maritime activities in Nigeria, including shipping, navigation, and marine pollution.

2. National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) Act 2006: This Act establishes NOSDRA as the agency responsible for detecting and responding to oil spills in Nigeria.

3. Environmental Impact Assessment Act 1992: This Act requires environmental impact assessments to be conducted for projects that may have significant environmental impacts, including maritime projects.

CHALLENGES OF MARITIME POLLUTION

Despite the laws and regulations in place, maritime pollution remains a significant challenge in Nigeria. Some of the challenges include:

1. Lack of Enforcement: Lack of enforcement of laws and regulations is a significant challenge in preventing and mitigating maritime pollution.

2. Limited Resources: Limited resources, including funding and personnel, can limit the effectiveness of maritime pollution prevention and mitigation efforts.

SOLUTIONS AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Addressing maritime pollution requires a multifaceted approach. Stricter regulations, such as the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2020 sulfur cap, have reduced SOx emissions by 77% in compliant regions. Technologies like scrubbers, which remove sulfur from the exhaust, are now installed on over 4,000 vessels worldwide. Similarly, ballast water treatment systems, mandated by the IMO’s Ballast Water Management Convention, neutralize invasive species using UV light or chemicals. Alternative fuels offer a path to decarbonization. Emerging solutions, such as wind-assisted propulsion and hydrogen-powered ships, promise further reductions, though scalability remains a challenge. 

1. Improved Enforcement: Improved enforcement of laws and regulations is critical to preventing and mitigating maritime pollution.

2. Increased Resources: Increased resources, including funding and personnel, can improve the effectiveness of maritime pollution prevention and mitigation efforts.

3. Public Awareness: Public awareness and education can help to prevent maritime pollution by promoting responsible maritime practices.

CONCLUSION

Maritime pollution stems from diverse sources—oil, invasive species, and emissions—each with cascading effects on ecosystems and economies. While regulatory and technological advancements offer hope, their success depends on global enforcement and innovation. The maritime industry must balance its economic role with environmental stewardship to ensure sustainable oceans for future generations.

Footnotes

[1] Marine Pollution http://education.nationalgeographic.org.)

[2] Earth reminder. www.earthreminder.com

[3] Williams, R., Wright, A. J., Ashe, E., Blight, L. K., Bruintjes, R., Canessa, R., ... & Erbe, C. (2015). Impacts of anthropogenic noise on marine life: Publication patterns, new discoveries, and future directions in research and management. Ocean & Coastal Management, 115, 17-24.

 [4] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2021). From Pollution to Solution: A Global Assessment of Marine Litter and Plastic Pollution. Nairobi: UNEP.

[5] Jambeck, J. R., Geyer, R., Wilcox, C., Siegler, T. R., Perryman, M., Andrady, A., ... & Law, K. L. (2015). Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean. Science, 347(6223), 768-771.

[6] International Maritime Organization (IMO). (2022). Ballast Water Management Convention. London: IMO.

[7] World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Waterborne Diseases and Sanitation. Geneva: WHO.

 [8] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2021). From Pollution to Solution: A Global Assessment of Marine Litter and Plastic Pollution. Nairobi: UNEP.

[9] International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF). (2023). Oil Tanker Spill Statistics 2023. London: ITOPF.

[10] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (2020). Marine Pollution: Sources and Impacts. Washington, DC: NOAA.

[11] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2021). From Pollution to Solution: A Global Assessment of Marine Litter and Plastic Pollution. Nairobi: UNEP

[12] International Maritime Organization (IMO). (2022). Ballast Water Management Convention. London: IMO.

[13] Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Sixth Assessment Report: The Physical Science Basis. Geneva: IPCC

[14] Jambeck, J. R., Geyer, R., Wilcox, C., Siegler, T. R., Perryman, M., Andrady, A., & Law, K. L. (2015). Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean. Science, 347(6223), 768-771.

 [15] World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Waterborne Diseases and Sanitation. Geneva: WHO.

[16] Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2022). The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022. Rome: FAO.