Prevention and control of marine environmental pollution in the east sea: The status quo and prospective cooperation

Abstract

The East Sea is of significant importance by offering benefits in terms of defence, security, strategic environment and economy not only to the surrounding countries but also to non-regional ones. However, the marine environment therein is deteriorating primarily due to human activities. In light of this situation, the countries in the region, through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms, have formulated strategies and negotiated agreements to establish frameworks for cooperation in preventing and controling marine environmental pollution in the East Sea—one of the less sensitive areas of maritime cooperation. Based on international laws regarding cooperation for marine environmental protection, this article assesses the current frameworks for preventing and controling marine environmental pollution in the East Sea (at multilateral, regional and bilateral levels) and, thereby, provides forecasts on the prospects for future cooperation among countries.