Draft framework for Community action on marine pollution is published A draft version of the Council of the European Communities' common position setting out a Community Framework for cooperation in the field of accidental or deliberate Marine pollution is now available. The text, published in the Official Journal of the European Communities, o... A draft version of the Council of the European Communities' common position setting out a Community Framework for cooperation in the field of accidental or deliberate Marine pollution is now available. The text, published in the Official Journal of the European Communities, outlines the existing EU legislation governing matters related to marine pollution. It explains how Community plans for policy and action on the environment and sustainable development envisage increased Community activity in this field. 'The establishment of a Community framework for cooperation providing support measures will help to develop cooperation in the field of accidental marine pollution even more efficiently. Such a framework for cooperation should be based to a large extent on experience already gained since 1978 in this field,' reads the draft text. A rolling plan to implement a framework for cooperation in this field will include the provision of information to those involved in prevention or clean-up of marine and coastal pollution. This will involve training not only those in positions of authority or responsible for such matters but also includes plans to provide information to the public, to help to mobilise experts around the Community and to encourage those experienced in preventing risks and responding to accidents to share their practical knowledge. The framework for action in this field would officially operate from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2006.
