Protecting marine environmental quality from land-based pollutants. The strategic role of ecotoxicology

Marine waters receive many wastes from point and non-point sources. Land-based pollutants are of particular concern to the continued uses and 'ecosystem health' of estuaries and nearshore waters. The 1985 UNEP Montreal Guidelines present an environmental protection framework for multijurisdictional areas. These Guidelines specifically link the uses of the environment, a scientific understanding of the fate and effects of pollutants (ecotoxicology) and the choice of appropriate control strategies. In this article these Guidelines are placed within the context of independently developed international and national framework and management tools. In all cases, ecotoxicological information and principles are essential for choosing the most effective disposal options for landbased pollutants. Understanding the current frameworks and strategies for choosing effective assessment, control and monitoring procedures, and the essential contribution of marine ecotoxicology, should lead to improved management of land-based sources of pollutants.