We received this from the UNMEP/MAP Mediterranean Action Plan Office today announcing that as of May 1, 2009, ships will no longer be allowed to dump waste into the Mediterranean Sea.
Consequently, for all ships, as of 1st May 2009, disposal into the Mediterranean Sea of the following is prohibited: all plastics, including but not limited to synthetic ropes, synthetic fishing nets and plastic garbage bags; and all other garbage, including paper products, rags, glass metal, bottles, crockery, dunnage, lining and packing materials.
The adoption of the resolution follows the notification at the same MEPC session by Albania, Algeria, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey, representing States bordering the Mediterranean Sea special area, that adequate reception facilities for garbage are provided in all the relevant ports within the region.
We’re happy to see this decision being made, but are curious as to how it will be enforced. In any case, it’s about time!
