Committee tables inquiry on amendments to marine pollution protocol

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water has tabled its report on the inquiry into the 2009 and 2013 amendments to the 1996 Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, 1972 (London Protocol).

The committee considered the two amendments to the London Protocol. The 2009 amendment permits the export of carbon dioxide streams for carbon capture and storage between countries who have signed up to the London Protocol.

The 2013 amendment proposes to regulate marine geoengineering activities, such as ocean fertilisation and other activities in the future.

Committee Chair, Tony Zappia MP said, "The evidence received by the committee from government, industry and community groups provided the committee with a perspective on how they could be implemented. The committee subsequently recommended that the Australian Government ratify both instruments."

The report can be downloaded from the committee’s website.

 

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