GESAMP: Environmental Capacity; An Approach to Marine Pollution Prevention - UNEP Regional Seas Reports and Studies No. 80

This report presents a framework for assessing and managing marine pollution using the concept of Environmental Capacity. Prepared by the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution (GESAMP), the document offers detailed guidelines and scientific rationale for evaluating the impact of pollutants on marine environments. It defines Environmental Capacity as the ability of a specific ecosystem to absorb contaminants without unacceptable harm, considering physical, chemical, and biological processes. The methodology emphasizes site-specific and contaminant-specific assessments, including probabilistic and deterministic approaches, critical pathway analysis, and adaptive management strategies. The report outlines processes for monitoring, validation, and iterative reassessment to ensure regulatory compliance and environmental protection. It features practical case studies across various regions and contaminants, demonstrating how environmental objectives can be achieved through modeling, risk assessment, and decision analysis.