The International and European Legal Regime Regulating Marine Litter in the EU

Each year approximately 6.4 million tons of waste reach our oceans. The consequences of this pollutant are manifold and encompass environmental, economic and potentially also human health impacts. The book is the first monography to address regulatory responses to marine litter in a comprehensive way. The author analyses the applicable regulatory instruments addressing the introduction of marine litter and identifies gaps and loopholes in the regulatory systems of international and European law applicable to the four seas surrounding the European Union. Based on a factual discussion of the sources and impacts of marine litter, these instruments are systematically studied and reflected with a view to their effectiveness to prevent its introduction. Marine litter stands symbolic for the use of resources and the findings of the monography can be used as recommendations to address this issue.