Land-based sources of pollution are among the most significant threats to marine ecosystems in the Regional Seas Area (RSA). These pollutants originate from human activities on land, including agricultural runoff carrying fertilizers and pesticides, untreated sewage, industrial discharges, and plastic waste that ultimately reaches rivers and coastal waters.

When these contaminants enter the marine environment, they degrade water quality, harm biodiversity, and disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems. Nutrient-rich runoff can trigger harmful algal blooms that deplete oxygen and create “dead zones,” while plastics and toxic chemicals accumulate in marine organisms, negatively affecting both wildlife and human health.

Addressing land-based pollution therefore requires integrated management strategies such as improved waste treatment, stricter regulation of industrial effluents, sustainable agricultural practices, and public awareness campaigns to reduce littering and single-use plastics. By tackling pollution at its source, the Pollution Prevention Program (PPP) seeks to safeguard marine habitats, protect fisheries, and ensure the long-term resilience of ecosystems in the RSA.