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. Image for representation purposes only What Are MARPOL Special Areas? In technical terms, MARPOL Special Areas are oceanic regions which require higher levels of protection against pollution because of sea traffic, and ecological, oceanographic, scientific and socio-economic significance. These areas need special attention due to their unique environmental conditions, like high biodiversity, presence of endangered species, low water circulation, and importance for sustaining local livelihoods. How are MARPOL Special Areas Designated? There are a few criteria, and the regions that meet these benchmarks are designated as Special Areas under different MARPOL Annexes, each dealing with a different type of marine pollution. Image for representation purposes only Some of these criteria include: Regions with unique hydrographic conditions like water bodies that are enclosed or semi-enclosed. Marine habitats that support endangered or threatened species or have high marine biodiversity must be protected. Areas in which the sustenance of locals depends on their rich marine resources, like the fishing communities. Under the MARPOL Convention, the Special Areas are given a higher protection than other seas and are designated by the International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee or MEPC by amendments to the MARPOL Annexes. There are Special Areas under Annexes I, II, IV and V. To get a special area designation, a proposing government should show that the basic MARPOL requirements don’t provide sufficient protection to the identified area or areas. Also, the designation does not enter into force unless there are reception facilities available in the region to handle the specific harmful substance from the ships. Special Areas Under MARPOL Annexes The Annexes dealing with special areas and different kinds of marine pollution are mentioned below. Annex I: Oil Pollution This Annex includes the following areas- Mediterranean Sea Baltic Sea Black Sea Red Sea Gulf area Gulf of Aden Antarctic Area North-West European Waters Oman Area of the Arabian Sea Southern South African Waters Image for representation purposes only Discharging oily waste from machinery spaces is prohibited in the above-mentioned special MARPOL Areas unless stringent conditions are met. Annex II: Noxious Liquid Substances Antarctic Area Per this annex, it is prohibited to discharge hazardous liquid chemicals or other substances in this area. Discharges are limited to a few reception facilities. Annex IV: Sewage Pollution The Baltic Sea Areas like the Baltic Sea prohibit sewage discharge unless the vessel has advanced treatment systems which meet stringent standards. Note: The US is not a signatory to Annex IV so it cannot establish a Special Area for sewage pollution from ships. Annex V: Garbage Pollution Mediterranean Sea Baltic Sea Black Sea Red Sea The Gulfs Area North Sea Antarctic Area ( South of Latitude 60 deg South) Wider Caribbean Region including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Seas S