London Convention and London Protocol: International Treaties to Prevent Marine Pollution

Dolphins in ocean

The Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter 1972, also called the London Convention, and the 1996 London Protocol are international treaties that provide an international standard and framework for countries to individually and collectively protect and preserve our oceans from pollution caused by the dumping of wastes and other matter into the ocean. Effective implementation of the London Convention and London Protocol helps preserve biological diversity and contributes to higher productivity of ocean resources and improved fisheries. Healthy coastal and ocean environments support tourism, recreation and commerce. Successful treaty implementation also promotes better waste management strategies to prioritize re-use and recycling and foster innovations to reduce waste generation and thus the need for waste disposal. 

In the United States, the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) implements the requirements of the London Convention. 

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What is the London Convention?

From the 1950s to 1970s, the United States and other countries became increasingly concerned about the environmental impacts of human activities on the marine environment, including the uncontrolled disposal of wastes into the ocean. The Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter of 1972, known as the London Convention, is one of the first international agreements for the protection of the marine environment from human activities.

The London Convention addresses the deliberate disposal at sea of wastes or other matter from vessels, aircraft, platforms and other man-made structures at sea, as well as to the deliberate disposal at sea of vessels, aircraft, platforms or other man-made structures themselves. Contracting Parties to the London Convention agreed to control dumping by implementing regulatory programs to assess the need for, and the potential impact of, dumping. The London Convention requires that Contracting Parties issue a permit for the dumping of wastes and other matter at sea and generally prohibits the dumping of certain hazardous materials.

Over time, Contracting Parties to the London Convention have amended the treaty by banning ocean dumping of certain wastes and by promoting pollution prevention and better waste management.

1972 Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter (London Convention) (pdf)

The London Convention entered into force on August 30, 1975. As of September 2024, there are 87 Contracting Parties to the London Convention. 

Is the United States a Contracting Party to the London Convention?

The United States is a Contracting Party to the London Convention. The United States ratified the London Convention on April 29, 1974. The London Convention entered into force on August 30, 1975.

What is the London Protocol?

In 1996, Contracting Parties to the London Convention concluded negotiations toward a new, free-standing treaty, referred to as the London Protocol, to modernize and eventually replace the London Convention. The London Protocol entered into force in 2006. As of September 2024, there are 54 Contracting Parties to the London Protocol. The United States is not a Contracting Party. 

The London Protocol is intended to be more comprehensive in protecting the marine environment than the London Convention. Both define dumping to include the deliberate disposal at sea of wastes or other matter from vessels, aircraft, platforms, and other man-made structures at sea, as well as deliberate disposal at sea of those objects. The London Protocol definition includes any storage of wastes or other matter in the seabed and the subsoil, as well as the abandonment of structures at sea and any abandonment or toppling at sea of platforms or other man-made structures at sea, for the sole purpose of deliberate disposal.

Under the London Protocol, dumping of all wastes and other materials is prohibited except the following materials listed in Annex I of the London Protocol (“the reverse list”), which may be considered for dumping:

  • Dredged material.
  • Fish wastes or material resulting from industrial fish processing operations.
  • Vessels and platforms or other man-made structures at sea.
  • Inert, inorganic geological material.
  • Organic material of natural origin.
  • Bulky items primarily comprising iron, steel, concrete and similarly unharmful materials for which the concern is physical impact, and limited to the circumstances where such wastes are generated at locations with no land-based alternatives.
  • Carbon dioxide streams from carbon dioxide capture processes for sequestration in sub-seabed geological formations.

1996 Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, 1972 (London Protocol) (pdf)

Is the United States a Contracting Party to the London Protocol?

The United States is not a Contracting Party to the London Protocol. The United States signed the London Protocol in 1998 but has not ratified the treaty. Though the United States has not yet ratified the London Protocol, the United States already implements most provisions of the London Protocol through the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act.

How does the United States participate in the London Convention and London Protocol?

Through the London Convention and London Protocol, the United States works with many others to reduce and prevent pollution caused by ocean dumping. Great progress has been made towards the protection of the marine environment due to the active participation of Contracting Parties and their willingness to work together to solve problems related to the control of waste disposal into the ocean.

The United States actively participates in the annual Consultative Meeting of Contracting Parties to the London Convention and London Protocol. Among other things, the United States’ participation includes:

  • engagement on treaty implementation issues;
  • deliberation on and consideration of proposed resolutions and amendments;
  • compliance and regulatory aspects of dumping and marine pollution;
  • development of environmentally and technically sound international guidelines for various types of ocean dumping that may be permitted; and
  • support for building capacity in other countries to enable effective measures to control ocean dumping.

The Department of State leads the United States delegation to the annual Consultative Meeting and is supported by the EPA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Navy (Navy), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Department of Energy (DOE), and Department of Interior (DOI).

The United States is also an active participant in the annual joint meetings of the London Convention Scientific Group and London Protocol Scientific Group. The Scientific Groups are responsible for providing scientific and technical advice on ocean dumping and marine pollution to the Consultative Meeting. The EPA leads the United States delegation and is supported by the State Department, USACE, NOAA, Navy, USCG, DOE and DOI. As a historical leader in ocean science, the United States’ participation in the science groups helps assure that treaty implementation is guided by the sound science supported by the United States’ scientific expertise.

How does the United States report its ocean dumping activities internationally?

London Convention and London Protocol Contracting Parties are required to submit an annual Ocean Dumping Report to the Secretariat for the London Convention and London Protocol at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMO is a United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution from ships

The EPA and USACE together develop and submit the annual report for the United States which describes the types and amounts of materials permitted under the MPRSA, permit compliance monitoring, and ocean site monitoring.

How is ocean dumping evaluated under the London Convention and London Protocol?

Contracting Parties to the London Convention and London Protocol have developed international guidance (or guidelines) to assist national authorities responsible for regulating ocean dumping in meeting their treaty obligations. The guidelines contain step-by-step procedures to evaluate wastes and other matter being considered for ocean dumping, including waste prevention audits, assessment of alternatives to ocean dumping, waste characterization, assessment of potential adverse environmental effects of dumping, disposal site selection, and monitoring and permitting procedures.

Specific guidelines exist for the assessment of the materials listed in Annex I of the London Protocol. This Waste Assessment Guidance is available on the IMO website, and the publications can be obtained from IMO Publishing.

The London Convention and London Protocol prohibit the dumping of wastes with more than de minimis levels of radioactivity. Contracting Parties to the London Convention have developed guidance for evaluating materials to determine if they contain de minimis levels of radionuclides.

In addition, Contracting Parties to the London Convention and London Protocol have developed guidances for monitoring, for the selection and management of ocean sites for the disposal of materials, for sampling and analysis of dredged material, to assist countries with limited experience in regulating ocean dumping, and to share best practices in protecting the marine environment.

London Convention and London Protocol Contracting Parties have also developed advice for:

  • management of cargoes that have spoiled onboard vessels,
  • placement of artificial reefs, and
  • best management practices for removal of anti-fouling coatings from ships.

How have the London Convention and Protocol addressed levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

Contracting Parties to the London Convention and London Protocol have taken steps to address potential harm to the marine environment from novel technologies designed to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere or mitigate its adverse effects.

Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide in Sub-Seabed Geological Formations (Offshore Carbon Capture and Storage)

Ocean Dumping: Transport Overview

Parties to the London Convention and London Protocol have been working to address sub-seabed sequestration of carbon dioxide, which is a climate change mitigation technique that stores carbon dioxide in geologic formations under the ocean floor. The process involves capturing carbon dioxide from industrial and energy-related sources, transporting that carbon dioxide offshore, and sequestering the carbon dioxide into an appropriate sub-seabed formation. The aim is to store the carbon dioxide within these geological formations permanently in order to mitigate the warming effects from excess greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The risks of carbon dioxide leaking out of the geologic formation should be minimized to avoid any potential impacts to human health or the marine environment.

In 2006, Contracting Parties to the London Protocol adopted amendments to regulate the sequestration of carbon dioxide in sub-seabed geological formations under the treaty. Contracting Parties have developed guidance to address the risks posed by carbon dioxide sequestration in sub-seabed geological formations and potential effects on the marine environment.

In 2009, London Protocol Contracting Parties adopted an amendment to allow the export of carbon dioxide streams for sequestration of carbon dioxide in sub-seabed geological formations provided that an agreement or arrangement has been entered into by the countries concerned (Resolution LP.3(4)). The amendment has not entered into force. In 2019, London Protocol Contracting Parties adopted Resolution LP.5(14), agreeing to allow provisional application of the 2009 amendment pending its entry into force.

The London Convention and London Protocol and Marine Geoengineering, including Ocean Fertilization

Since 2007, the Parties to the London Convention and London Protocol have been working to establish a global, transparent, and effective regulatory mechanism for ocean fertilization and other marine geoengineering activities that fall within the scope of the London Convention and London Protocol.

Learn more about ocean fertilization, other marine geoengineering techniques, and U.S. permitting of certain marine geoengineering activities under the MPRSA.

Ocean Dumping: Ocean Geoengineering
  • In 2007, the London Convention and London Protocol Contracting Parties issued a statement of concern about the potential for large-scale ocean fertilization to have negative impacts on the marine environment and human health.
  • In 2008, London Convention and London Protocol Contracting Parties adopted Resolution LC-LP.1 (2008) on the “Regulation of Ocean Fertilization”, agreeing, among other things, that the scope of the London Convention and Protocol includes ocean fertilization activities and ocean fertilization activities other than legitimate scientific research should not be allowed. Ocean fertilization, in the context of the London Convention and Protocol, is as any activity undertaken by humans with the principal intent to stimulate primary productivity in the oceans. Ocean fertilization activities could include the addition of iron or other nutrients to the oceans but does not include conventional aquaculture, or mariculture, or the creation of artificial reefs.
  • In 2010, London Convention and London Protocol Contracting Parties adopted Resolution LC-LP.2 (2010) on the “Assessment Framework for Scientific Research Involving Ocean Fertilization,” which guides Parties on how to assess proposals for ocean fertilization research and provides detailed steps for completion of an environmental assessment, including risk management and monitoring.
  • In 2013, London Protocol Contracting Parties adopted amendments to regulate marine geoengineering activities, including ocean fertilization (Resolution LP.4(8)). The amendments define marine geoengineering as “a deliberate intervention in the marine environment to manipulate natural processes, including to counteract anthropogenic climate change and/or its impacts, and that has the potential to result in deleterious effects, especially where those effects may be widespread, long-lasting or severe.” The amendments to regulate marine geoengineering under the London Protocol have not entered into force.
  • In 2014, Contracting Parties developed further marine geoengineering guidance, including for consideration of emerging marine geoengineering activities and techniques.
  • In 2015, the Scientific Groups of the London Convention and Protocol conducted a “Science Day” symposium focused on marine geoengineering.
  • In 2022, due to the increasing interest in several ocean-based climate change mitigation techniques, the Parties issued a statement which recognized the growing interest in marine geoengineering techniques and their potential to cause pollution or other adverse effects on the marine environment. The Parties identified four emerging marine geoengineering techniques (including both carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and solar radiation management (SRM) techniques) as priorities for further legal and technical evaluation: (1) ocean alkalinity enhancement and electrochemical CDR; (2) biomass cultivation for carbon removal; (3) marine cloud brightening; and (4) surface albedo enhancement involving reflective particles and/or other materials. Read the full statement (pdf) on the International Maritime Organization website.

  • In 2023, the Scientific Groups of the London Convention and London Protocol determined that the four marine geoengineering techniques under evaluation have the potential to cause deleterious effects that are widespread, long-lasting, or severe. The Scientific Groups agreed that they should continue to monitor this topic and carry out further work to enable the London Convention and Protocol Parties to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions, including potential further regulation. The Scientific Groups also convened a “Science Day” symposium focused on emerging technologies in marine geoengineering. Read the press release on the International Maritime Organization website. At the 2023 Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the London Convention and London Protocol, the Parties issued a statement on marine geoengineering that: 1) reiterated concern about marine engineering techniques, which have the potential for deleterious effects that are widespread, long-lasting, or severe, 2) noted the need to carefully assess potential marine geoengineering activities, and 3) urged that, given risks and uncertainties, marine geoengineering activities other than legitimate scientific research, should be deferred.

More information on the London Convention and London Protocol work related to marine geoengineering is provided on the International Maritime Organization website:

What can I do if I observe an ocean dumping incident?

Mariners or other persons who observe dumping incidents in ocean waters that could be violations of the London Convention and Protocol are encouraged to report these events as follows:

  • Immediately notify the proper authorities so that they can determine an appropriate action. United States Coast Guard contacts are listed below:
    • National Response Center
      c/o United States Coast Guard (CG-3RPF-2) - Room 2111-B
      2100 2nd Street, SW Washington, DC 20593 - 0001
      Tel: +1-800 424 8802, +1 202 267 2180
      Email: [email protected]
      Fax: +1-202-267-1322
    • United States Coast Guard Sector Guam
      P.O. Box 176
      Guam, Guam (United States)
      Tel: +1 671 339 4107/2001
    • United States Coast Guard Sector San Juan, Puerto Rico
      5 Calle La Puntilla
      San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901
      Tel: +1 787 289 2041 (24 hr)
      Fax: +1 787 729 6706
  • Complete a Dumping Incident Information Form and Supplementary Information Form (pdf) as completely as possible.

Where can I learn more about the London Convention and London Protocol?

Additional information and resources about the London Convention and London Protocol are available through the International Maritime Organization's website.

Ocean Dumping

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Last updated on September 24, 2024