Marine Protected Areas in Multilateral Instruments

Abstract

The previous chapter identified the international legal framework for marine environment protection and, in particular, the delicate balance of coastal states’ and vessels’ rights. Expanding on this network of rules, there exist a range of multilateral treaties, both on a global and a regional level, that expressly provide for the protection of vulnerable marine areas, thereby entailing different rights and obligations for their parties. The purpose of this chapter is to shed light on the different types of protective mechanisms that can be found in these instruments. Differences and similarities should be highlighted and examined with regard to the effective abatement of marine pollution. In so doing, it is my primary intention to look at if and how the protective measures prescribed for specific areas can be applied to shipping activities.