WCC 2020 Res 028 - Activity Report

In March 2025, the Centre for Policy and Law has developed a one-page proposal for a concept on this Resolution, to work with WCEL on this. The IUCN Centre for Policy and Law has an opportunity to begin working on a WCC 2020 Resolution 028 , “Updating of the legislation to stop the pollution of oceans caused by the discharging of wastewater by ships.” As of 2025 implementation on this resolution has not begun. One of the greatest challenges facing our ocean today is pollution, particularly from wastewater discharge. Ships discharge both black water (from toilets and medical facilities) containing harmful bacteria and pathogens, and grey water (from kitchens, sinks, and other facilities) loaded with fats, oils, and chemicals. These pollutants contribute to eutrophication, red tides, biodiversity loss, and potentially human health impacts and biodiversity in the ocean.
The current regulatory framework, primarily Annex IV of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), was established in 1973 with the Annex IV entering into force in 2003 . Pursuing updates to this Annex in line with the Resolution 028 will add another foundational layer to the pollution and chemicals work of CPL moving forward. In July 2011, MEPC 62 adopted, by resolution MEPC.200(62), the most recent amendment to MARPOL Annex IV, which entered into force on 1 January 2013. The amendment introduced, inter alia, a definition for Special Area as well as relevant requirements for the discharge of sewage from passenger ships in Special Areas and for port reception facilities. Currently, the Baltic Sea area is the only Special Area under Annex IV.

CPL with WCEL could consider approaching IMO and IUCN Member States to document the inadequacy of current regulatory frameworks to address modern wastewater discharge volumes and compositions requires urgent international attention. CPL could lead a comprehensive research initiative to quantify the ecological impacts of vari