The 1973 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), amended in 1978, outlines the steps mandatory to prevent marine pollution from vessels which is vital for marine environmental protection. At the centre of its framework are the ‘MARPOL Special Areas’, certain areas of the ocean, designated as specifically vulnerable to pollution and needing increased protection due to several reasons which will be discussed in this article.
https://www.marineinsight.com/maritime-law/what-are-marpol-special-areas/