The feasibility and applicability of Laine et. al's risk management framework for maritime pollution preparedness and response

Abstract

Maritime pollution is a critical issue affecting global environmental health, with the Mediterranean Sea particularly vulnerable due to its semi-enclosed nature, biodiversity, and heavy maritime traffic. The region faces growing threats from oil spills, aquaculture, and plastic pollution. Traditional maritime pollution risk management approaches, which emphasize reactive measures, often fall short in addressing the complex and dynamic nature of pollution in such environments. Recent advancements in risk management frameworks, such as the methodology proposed by Laine et al. (2021), offer a more proactive, technology-driven, and collaborative approach to pollution preparedness and response (PPR). This thesis aims to assess the feasibility and applicability of Laine et al.'s risk management framework within the Mediterranean Sea context. While the framework was developed with a focus on oil spills in the Baltic Sea, its adaptability to the Mediterranean’s unique ecological and socio-economic conditions is unexplored. The research seeks to evaluate whether the framework can address the specific challenges of maritime pollution in the Mediterranean, where pollution sources, traffic density, and international cooperation vary widely. Through a comprehensive comparison of existing frameworks and a critical analysis of Laine et al.'s methodology, this study will examine its potential to improve maritime pollution preparedness and response, particularly for smaller island states in the region. The findings aim to contribute to the development of more robust, data-driven strategies that can enhance the Mediterranean's capacity to manage and mitigate pollution risks, offering insights into the broader application of modern risk management frameworks in other vulnerable maritime regions