Resources and reports

Chronic hydrocarbon pollution of the seas is one of the most worrying sources of pollution and one which, in the majority of cases, is carried out with total impunity.

Some studies have tried to evaluate its scope and impact. Oceana has taken part in this task by preparing documents that assess the generation of hydrocarbon residues in Europe, illegal dumping, the infractions committed by fleets and the impact on the marine environment.

You can find these reports at:

Links to reports

The dumping of hydrocarbons from ships into the seas ans oceans of Europe. The other side of oil slicks

The EU fleet and chronic hydrocarbon contamination of the oceans

The European Union is currently embroiled in a debate on improving community legislation with regard to this issue. The European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers are drawing up proposals for Directives to address this problem.

European institutions

European Commission

European Parliament

International institutions

United Nations information on hydrocarbons in the sea

Information on MARPOL

International conventions

HELCOM for the Baltic Sea

OSPAR for the North-East Atlantic

BARCOM for the Mediterranean

Health

World Health Organisation

Other organisations

CleanSeas, a project to monitor marine pollution from space