In 1987, Canada’s Oceans Policy noted
increasing concern with the issue of marine
debris (Pearce 1992). Taking political action,
Canada ratified the MARPOL Convention, and
meets its international obligations and supports
its own pollution prevention objectives
for disposal at sea through the Canadian Environmental
Protection Act (CEPA). Consistent
with the Marpol Convention, the CEPA controls
disposal of substances into waters from
activities taking place at sea through legislated
general prohibition; disposal of any substance
into the sea is not allowed unless it is done in
accordance with a permit issued by Environment
Canada (Environment Canada 2011 ).
Only a small list of wastes or other matter can
be considered for permits and these are individually
assessed to ensure that disposal at
sea is the best environmental alternative, that
pollution is prevented, and that any conflicts
with other marine users are avoided (Environment
Canada 2011).