Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union Proactive environmental planning for emerging shipping routes in Arctic waters Julian Roberts Programme Officer Global Marine Programme

The World Conservation Union Current Context The current retreat of Arctic sea ice presents a succession of plausible futures for the Northern Sea Route, Northwest Passage, and Central Arctic Ocean ……… greater access and longer navigation seasons may also be experienced in Hudson Bay and ….. off Alaska’s northwest coast Arctic Maritime Transport Workshop September 2004

Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union Arctic Maritime Transport Workshop September 2004

Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union Proactive Planning Strategic Environmental Assessment Marine Spatial Planning Implement and Monitor Define Sensitive SitesAssess Threats To SitesSelect Protective Measures

Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union Define Sensitive Sites

Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union Determine the Threat Operational discharges Accidental discharges Physical damage & disturbance Waste disposal Others?

Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union Vulnerability to Shipping Sensitivity to threat Vessel traffic characteristics Natural factors Potential for harm

Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union Protective Measures Coastal States given specific competence to regulate environmental impacts of shipping Duty to respect freedoms of navigation Extent of jurisdiction determined by maritime zone

Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union Arctic Maritime Transport Workshop September 2004

Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union Role of IMO “Competent international organization” Specific competences attributed to IMO by a range of instruments Do not regulate jurisdictional power of coastal States - exclusively LOSC Establish degree to which States may legitimately interfere with foreign ships

Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union Some Options Currently Available Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) Special Areas Ships’ routeing measures Ship reporting systems Ballast water controls Antifouling controls

Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas An area which needs special protection through action by IMO because of its significance for recognized ecological or socio-economic or scientific reasons and which may be vulnerable to damage by maritime activities IMO Resolution A.982(24)

Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union Existing PSSAs

Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union PSSA Requirements Satisfies at least one of the criteria –Ecological –Social, Cultural and Economic –Scientific and Educational Satisfies vulnerability requirements At least one protective measure within competence of IMO

Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union Associated Protective Measures Discharge Restrictions – Special Areas Ships’ routeing measures under SOLAS Ships’ reporting system Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Pilotage

Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union Special Areas A sea area where for recognized technical reasons in relation to its oceanographical and ecological conditions and to the particular character of its traffic the adoption of special mandatory methods for the prevention of sea pollution by oil is required Annex I - MARPOL 73/78

Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union Existing Special Areas

Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union Protective Measures Discharge requirements in special areas are considerably stricter than discharge requirements in other sea areas Apply to: –oil –noxious liquid substances –garbage

Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union Routeing Measures Vessel routeing used in the protection of the environment for many years SOLAS recognises IMO as competent body COLREGS provide specifically for the adoption of TSSs

Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union Measures Available Area to be Avoided Traffic Separation Scheme Inshore Traffic Zone Precautionary Area Deep-water Route No Anchoring Areas MANDATORY or RECOMMENDED?

Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union Ship Reporting Systems Serves as mechanism for notifying coastal States of the presence of ships that may present a threat Coastal States may respond more effectively in the event that such a vessel becomes distressed Do not permit routeing of vessels in the same manner as ships’ routeing system

Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union Other Options? Pilotage AIS / LRIT Oil spill preparedness and response arrangements Vessel / cargo restrictions SAR / salvage capability Strengthen existing and adopt new international standards –CDEM –Codes of Practice (Polar Shipping Code) Under-keel clearance restrictions

Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union Conclusions Prospect of emerging shipping routes in Arctic water Requires effective and early planning for environmental protection Range of tools available to coastal States and IMO Multidisciplinary approach to determine most effective measures targeting specific threats

Global Marine ProgrammeThe World Conservation Union QUESTIONS??