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Introduction
- 26r
MARIT.IE POLLUTION IN TI-E SOUTH-EAsT PACIFIC
Luis Arriaga M.
Cornision Permanente del pacifico Sur
Prez JlO y Robles, 5oPiso, euito, Ecuador
ABSTRACT
From studies done as part of the Action Plan for the South-EasL pacific
(UNEP-CPP$), the fotlowing cases of marine pollution stand out: (a) the Gulf of
Panama, which receives domesLic effluents with an organic load estimated at
12,100 tons BOD/year (101900 from the city of panama] and wastes from 574
industries (88.6% from the city of Panama); (b) Buenaventura Bay (Colombia)r
which receives some 4r[I]0 tons BOD/year in domestic sewage, plus discharges
from 57 industries and oil and lubricants dumped in the port;-(c) Estuary of lne
Gulf of Guayaquil (Ecuador), whose domestic effluents contain an organic load
estimated at 19,900 tons BOD/year and wastes from 856 registered inJustries as
well as durnped fuel and lubricants; (d) the Lima-Callao area (peru), with domestic
effluents containing 87'5Og tons BOD/year, wastes from 622 industries and dumped
fuel and lubricants; and (e) Bay of Concepcion-San Vicente Bay (Chile), which
receives domestic sewage with 6,X10 tons BOD/year, and wastes from L4
important industries creating pollution problems from active chlorine and mencury
and other heavy nre[als. Tfe activities to talte place in the present phase of the
Action Plan are zummarized.
The zurveys done as part of the activities of the'rAction Plan for the protection of
the Marine Environrnent and Coastal Areas of the South-East Pacific, have permitted an
evaluation of the sources' levels and effects of manine pollution in the region, of the
institutional structure for research and environmental management, and of lhe existing legal
fremework for pollution prevention and control,
The Action Planr which is supported by UNEPTs Regional Seas Programme, covers the
waterg of the Eastern Pacific along the coasts of Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, peru and
Chile. The Permanent Commission of the South Pacific (CPPS) is responsible for regional
co-adination.
_ This psper presents a summary review of rnarine pollution problems in the South-Est
Prcific region, emphasizing the nrost relevant facts.
MARINE POLLUTION IN THE SOUTH.EAST PACIFIC
Tfp main potlution problems in the South-East Pacific region result from: discharges
from the major cities of the region of dqnestic and industrial effluents, mainly without
treetment; industrial effluents, especially from mining and fishing industries located in areas
outside of the main cities; and the dunping or spilling of oil. There is very limited
information about pollution by pesticides and other srbgtances.
In rlecting ereas with major pollution problems (Figures I and 2), the criteria were:
the simultaneous (Ecurrence of domesLic and industrial effluents; areas wbject to a great
volurne of waste o tailinge from mining industries; and the risk of oil pollution from major oil
pipeline terminals, rcfineries, etc.