Oil spills : marine disasters.

Abstract

Pollution may be defined as the release into the environment of substances or energy resulting in deleterious effects. Effects can be, harm to living resources, hazards to human health, hindrance to marine activities including fishing, impairment of quality for use of sea water and reduction of amenities.

The study was focused on hydrocarbon pollution resulting from oil slicks, how oil is introduced into the marine environment, its reactions and how it effects species. The damage it could cause to human health is an important consideration. The study stated the plans of operation that can be offered by the Maltese Authorities in case of an oil slick in the Maltese Territorial waters. The study was mainly focused on accidents in the Maltese Territory, the risks in the area, and the Mediterranean as a whole. It also showed the relation between the international laws and regulations regarding marine pollution due to hydrocarbons leaking out from vessels and what legal actions could be taken. Laws and regulations were interpreted also as a prevention to avoid such disasters from happening and what considerations are taken before ships are able to fly the country's flag. The Maltese Islands and the Coastal and Marine Environment