### Japan's Marine Ecosystems and Pollution Control Measures - From November 2006 to the 2020s

### Japan's Marine Ecosystems and Pollution Control Measures - From November 2006 to the 2020s

In 2006, the revision of the Marine Pollution Prevention Law strengthened Japan's efforts to protect marine ecosystems. In coastal areas such as Tokyo Bay and the Seto Inland Sea, the disposal of waste containing oil and hazardous substances was strictly regulated, and sewage sludge was removed from the list of permissible marine waste. This was accompanied by an increase in recycling and incineration at waste treatment facilities, resulting in the annual treatment of over 10,000 tons of waste on land. Additionally, international regulations, such as the London Convention and the MARPOL Convention, were reinforced to maintain a sustainable marine environment.

Entering the 2020s, responses to oil spills caused by maritime accidents became increasingly significant. In 2021, the grounding of a cargo ship off the coast of Hachinohe Port in Aomori Prefecture prompted the dispatch of the large dredger and oil recovery vessel "Hakusan" from the Hokuriku Regional Development Bureau, demonstrating improved response capabilities through swift recovery of drifting oil. To further enhance preparedness, equipment and joint training exercises with relevant organizations continue to be implemented.

Under the MARPOL Convention, efforts to assess the environmental risks of hazardous liquid substances transported in bulk have progressed. These assessments aim to prevent pollution caused by unassessed materials and implement measures to preserve the marine environment.

Moreover, investigations in areas such as Toyama Bay have focused on identifying sources of land-based pollution, enabling early detection and countermeasures. As marine plastic pollution becomes increasingly severe, the nationwide "Zero Marine Litter Week" campaign engages more than 800,000 participants annually in clean-up activities, promoting environmental protection across Japan. In 2020, 453 cases of marine pollution were confirmed, an increase from the previous year, primarily due to oil leaks, underscoring the need for prompt responses.

Historically, Japan has advanced marine conservation through amendments to the Marine Pollution Prevention Law and international cooperation. Considering the current challenges, Japan remains committed to complying with global regulations and strengthening domestic and international partnerships to protect marine resources for the future.