The use of the world's oceans as a dumping ground for harmful wastes has been systematically regulated and reduced under the terms of an international convention that was adopted 40 years ago, the UN agency that polices the oceans against polluters says. The "Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, 1972", referred to as the London Convention, was one of the first global conventions designed to protect the marine environment from human activities. It has been in force since 1975.

Sea pollution cut since 1972 UN accord, IMO says. (2012, October 30). Malaya Business Insight, p. A8.