Rechtliche Rahmenbedingungen der Einleitung von häuslichem Schiffsabwasser in der Arktis und Antarktis

Ongoing climate change will make the Arctic and Antarctic accessible for a growing number of activities, including commercial shipping and cruise ship voyages. At the same time, the growing presence of ships will increase the risk of pollution of the marine environment. In particular, discharges of sewage pose a threat to the marine environment. In light of the particularly sensitive nature of the marine ecosystems of these regions, the increase of such shipping activities results in a need of effective regulation of the discharge of sewage. This article provides an overview of the public international law framework for the discharge of sewage (black and grey water) and analyzes the regulatory approach taken by Germany in its domestic law. On the basis of this analysis, the article presents policy recommendations focused on improving and strengthening regulatory framework applicable to the discharge of sewage in the Arctic and Antarctic.