Environmental crimes at sea

Environmental crimes at sea are increasingly central to maritime enforcement, intertwining issues of sovereignty, Flag State authority and international environmental standards. This chapter reviews the legal framework for ship-source pollution and hazardous waste disposal, focusing on the relationship between international maritime law and multilateral environmental agreements like MARPOL. It considers the powers of Coastal States within internal waters, the territorial sea and the EEZ, alongside those of Flag States and Port States. The discussion covers Port State Control regimes, inspection procedures and regional Memoranda of Understanding. The chapter also addresses criminal liability for intentional discharges and accidental pollution, including corporate responsibility. Case law and State practices show that effective enforcement requires balancing regulatory authority, evidence standards and international cooperation. The increasing focus on sustainable oceans governance highlights the urgency of prosecuting marine environmental crimes.