THE PRINCIPLE OF PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION OF MARINE ENVIRONMENT, AS THE BASIS FOR ENSURING THE PROTECTION OF THE OCEANS FROM POLLUTION

International maritime law is a set of principles and norms, governing relations between States on the use of waters and resources of the World Ocean. Generally recognized principles of international law of the sea form the basis of international relations in the region. The latter agreements, concluded between the States, first of all, are evaluated from the point of view of their conformity with the main international legal principles. The principles not only define and specify basic rights and duties of States in their interaction, but, above all, have a significant impact on their activity in the formation of legal norms. Compliance with the fundamental international legal principles is vital, in order to ensure effective international legal regulation of protection and conservation of the oceans. They, because of their imperative cannot be changed by agreement of subjects of international law, apply to all participants of international legal relations should be considered because of their complex nature. The principle of protection and preservation of marine environment is one of the main principles of international maritime law. It establishes the rules of behavior, depends on the state of the oceans, and humanity as a whole. Primarily, this is due to the fact, that the damage, caused in the territory of one state, for a short time can cover a huge space. The assertion, existed for many years, that the waters of the seas and oceans are capable of self-purification, today is unlikely to be applicable. Every day the oceans are polluted with a number of toxic substances: chemical, biological, radioactive. Their main feature is that they usually are synthetic. As a result, the smallest algae, which are involved in the cleansing of the oceans, are unable to recycle them and destroyed themselves. As a result, these substances either settle on the bottom, or cover the surface of the oceans with thick film, preventing the penetration of oxygen, necessary for life. The article indicated the need of protection and preservation of marine environment, in order to ensure favorable living conditions for present and future generations. The key gaps in this area were highlighted and the possible ways of increasing the level of cooperation of States, in relation to the protection of the oceans, were formulated. Keywords: oceans, protection and preservation, principles, cooperation of States, prevention of pollution, marine environment