PREVENTION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT POLLUTION IN THE COASTAL AREA OF ALBANIA

Water space on the globe occupies a total area of about 360 million km2, which constitutes 70% of the Earth's surface, becoming the most important mode of transportation in the field of import and export trade. Our daily lives are closely linked to the sea, where water surfaces have become an important part of people's lives around the world. However, the current situation of the marine environment is not optimistic, marine pollution has become a significant topic in today's society. All marine pollution incidents such as oil spills or leaks, chemical incidents, plastic pollution, air pollution from ships, etc., have caused significant and difficult recovery of the marine environment. Today, a special attention is being given to the prevention and control of the appearance of these marine pollutions, as well as the management of polluted waters. The MARPOL Convention is the main international convention covering the prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes. The aim of this study is to give an overview of the existing marine pollution in the coastal part of Albania and develop solutions to existing problems. The Republic of Albania has acceded to this convention, has drafted national legislation as well as management plans for the prevention of marine pollution.