Cooperative response to marine hazardous and noxious substances and oil spill incidents in the ASEAN region

ABSTRACT Marine hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) and oil spills cause serious environmental pollution problem in the ASEAN region because it is prevalent in the Southeast Asia Sea and has a wide range of impacts and long-term consequences on the marine ecosystem, coastal resources, human health and socio economy. Transboundary HNS and oil pollution risk require a commensurate response capability. Therefore, building practical response capability in the ASEAN region according to an international framework appears to be necessary. This article examines historical pollution incidents in the ASEAN region caused by HNS and oil spill incidents and documents to a milestone in cooperation response to HNS and oil spills in the region, and proposes some recommendations of how to strengthen cooperation.