| International Marine Science and Technology |
|
Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP)
(Established March 1967)
| Headquarters: | Mr. Koji Sekimizu |
| Administrative Secretary of GESAMP | |
| International Maritime Organization | |
| 4 Albert Embankment | |
| London SE1 7SR | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Telephone: | +44 (0)20 7587 3119 |
| Fax: | +44 (0)20 7587 3210 |
| Email: | ksekimizu@imo.org |
| Web Site: | http://gesamp.imo.org |
Status
GESAMP is a multidisciplinary body of independent experts nominated by the Sponsoring Organisations.
Mission
To provide advice to the Sponsoring Organisations, at their request, on pollution and other problems that face marine and coastal environments.
Each Sponsoring Organisation nominates one to four experts according to its interests in the substantive work for the session. Experts appointed to the Group should act in their individual capacities.
Activities
GESAMP is preparing an assessment report "The State of the Marine Environment: Current Major Issues and Emerging Problems". This considers the degradation of coastal ecosystems and habitats, over-fishing and fishing of so-called "under-utilised species", threats from alien species, aquaculture as a source of environmental problems, pressure from tourism and a reduction of marine bio-diversity. The final report will be published in 1999.
Work is under way preparing a report on land-based sources and activities affecting the quality and use of marine, coastal and related freshwater environments. The report reviews, among others, available information on the input of nutrients, heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to the seas through the atmosphere. Preparations are also under way for a global report on the state of the marine environment to 2002.
United Kingdom Interests
There are no direct links to the UK Government. GESAMP reports to the Sponsoring Organisations, not to governments. The 1995 London Conference on the Oceans noted that this can lead to difficulties of implementation because the countries which will have to undertake actions are not directly involved and have no sense of ownership of the recommendations.
The Sponsoring Organisations are:
The United Nations, the UN Environment Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, the World Meteorological Organisation, the World Health Organisation, the International Maritime Organization, and the International Atomic Energy Agency.