Ports and the Marine Environment - Monitoring the Environment

Role of port authorities in monitoring the impact of port operations on the marine environment
International and local rules require ports, maritime safety authorities and environmental protection agencies to monitor anything in a port which can damage or harm the environment. The places to be monitored include the cargo loading and unloading areas in the port, anchorages, channels and nearby coastal waters.	The port’s environmental personnel make sure no environmental harm or damage occurs to the environment in the nearby region or to people living close to the port. Ports regularly check air quality and the quality of rivers and creeks within the port area. They make sure that the way the port is used does not cause pollution or other environmental damage.