Environmental Cooperation between the North Sea States

This study analyzes the role and functions of the Paris Convention, which is responsible for regulating environmental policies of the North Sea states. The study reported in this book was carried out in 1985-1986 as part of the research project "New Regimes for the Management of Oceans" at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway, which looked into the power structures of powers and interests that are behind ocean management policies, with emphasis on the interaction between states. The North Sea Basin is threatened by urgent and pervasive environmental problems, and for the countries that border the North Sea, the dilemma of reconciling domestic priorities with international responsibilities frequently arises, particularly transnational pollution. An assessment is made of success of the Paris Convention in providing a model for international marine co-operation for environmental protection elsewhere.