Warships and noise regulation: The international legal framework

Papanicolopulu, I. (2011) Warships and noise regulation: The international legal framework. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 63(1-4), pp. 35-39. (doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2010.05.002)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2010.05.002

Abstract

The use of sonar by military vessels during military exercises may produce acoustic pollution of the marine environment. States have an obligation under international law to reduce and control this form of pollution. Regulation of the use of sonar is rendered more complex by the specific regime applicable to warships, i.e. sovereign immunity. Immunity however does not prevent in all cases action by States other than the flag State, notwithstanding the limitations imposed by Art. 236 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. More importantly, immunity does not prevent the flag State from taking measures to reduce pollution caused by its own warships. Under some environmental treaties, flag States not only may, but have the obligation to adopt measures.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Papanicolopulu, Dr Irini
Authors: Papanicolopulu, I.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Law
Journal Name:Marine Pollution Bulletin
ISSN:0025-326X
ISSN (Online):1879-3363

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