Water is an essential resource to every living organism. The entire world today has serious problems with pollution in many of its bodies of water. Economic development and human disregard have caused a decline in the quality of water and marine life all over the world. Nations are taking individual steps in order to correct this problem, however, more must be done. Regional groups are also taking steps to address the question of water pollution. The European Community has developed many directives which attempt to protect the environment, including bodies of water. Under NAFTA, there was an environmental amendment added on to the original agreement. These regional agreements are also steps in the right direction.