Henrik Ringbom

New technologies are being introduced to address the eutrophication of the Baltic Sea. By removing or chemically treating the seabed sediments, or by mechanically increasing oxygen levels in the deep sea, it is hoped that leakage of phosphorus from the seabed can be reduced. The effectiveness of such technologies is uncertain and they are scientifically controversial. Combatting Eutrophication in the Baltic Sea: Legal Aspects of Sea-Based Engineering Measures explores a number of legal issues under international, European and national law raised by such 'sea-based measures' aimed at improving the environment of the Baltic Sea. In the absence of a legal framework for the measures, the work also represents a case study in how international environmental law operates when general environmental law principles represent the main legal source available. It is concluded that in view of the scientific uncertainty surrounding the technologies, such principles do not offer sufficient guidance to national permit authorities who will ultimately decide on the matter.

The legal regime regulating ship safety and pollution provides an illustration of late-20th century trends in international law in general, and of the law of the sea and international environmental law in particular. The sources of law are expanding in several directions. The number of global instruments - both "soft" and "hard" law - is constantly increasing and regional organizations are more and more concerned with matters affecting traditional freedoms of the seas. Frequently, different levels of norms cover the same issues, thus creating competing - possibly even conflicting - rules. This volume provides a detailed examination of current legal issues relating to the variety of rules and rule-makers in the field of marine environmental protection, and also relates the recent developments to international law in a wider context. It contains revised and edited versions of the papers presented at a conference in the Aland Islands, Finland in August 1996, convened by the Department of LAw of Abo Akademi University, Finland.