Scientific Aspects of Pollution Arising from the Exploration and Exploitation of the Sea-Bed: GESAMP Reports and Studies No. 7

The Working Group to Consider Scientific Aspects of Pollution Arising from the Exploration and Exploitation of the Sea-bed was formed at the sixth session of GESAMP, held in 1974, and given the following terms of reference as set out in the report of the sixth session (GESANP VI/10, annex VI): (a) To identify the sources of information relevant to the scientific aspects of pollution arising from present and future activities related to the exploration and exploitation of the sea-bed. The suggested priorities for initial action are: Petroleum (including natural gas) Manganese nodules Dredging for both mineral resources and construction projects, but excluding dredge spoil disposal I. Off-shore construction (including platforms, artificial islands and reefs). (b) To collate and evaluate, where possible, all such existing information within time to present an assessment to GESAMP VII of current and potential marine pollution hazards from these activities, and conflicts with other uses of the sea which may arise, with the intention of obtaining approval for its submission to the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea at its third session projected for June 1975. (c) To assess the feasibility of extending this information to meet future needs, such as measures to prevent and control marine pollution from these activities and to make proposals on the future action of GESAMP concerning this area.