United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Montego Bay, 10 December 1982, United Nations Treaty Series, Vol. 1833, No. 31363, p. 3

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) embodies the legal framework for marine and maritime activities, setting out the rights and responsibilities of states in the use of the world's oceans. Certain provisions are relevant to the climate change regulatory framework. For instance, "pollution of the marine environment" is defined as the introduction by man of substances or energy into the marine environment which results or is likely to result in such deleterious effects as harm to living resources and marine life, hazards to human health, hindrance to marine activities, including fishing and other legitimate uses of the sea, impairment of quality for use of sea water and reduction of amenities. It further provides that States shall take all measures consistent with the Convention that are necessary to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment from any source. The measures contemplated include those designed to minimize the release of toxic, harmful or noxious substances, especially those which are persistent, from land-based sources, from or through the atmosphere or by dumping. Likewise, it provides that States shall adopt laws and regulations to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment from or through the atmosphere, taking into account internationally agreed rules, standards and recommended practices and procedures and the safety of air navigation.