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Abstract

MERRAC is still at the evolutionary stage, and its implementation did not proceed as it could have. However, MERRAC has achieved some important results through a series of regular or irregular meetings of national focal points and/or experts during the last three years. One of the most important accomplishments is to reach the last phase in finalizing the NOWPAP Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan and its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The Plan, to be formally adopted, is expected to act as a technical guideline to organize prompt and effective response to major oil spills affecting or likely to affect the Action Area of one or more of the NOWPAP Members, and to facilitate regional co-operation in the field of preparedness and response for pollution by oil. We assess the Plan and MOU will be a keystone in building a strong partnership among the NOWPAP Members in the field of marine pollution preparedness and response. Although we opened successfully the door of a new era for regional activities on marine pollution preparedness and response among the northeast Asian countries, however, we still have some difficulties and obstacles to overcome in the near future. These include the establishment of stronger legal, institutional and financial bases to ensure more effective and efficient regional activities in the field of marine pollution preparedness and response, as found in an example of the Mediterranean region.