Legal Protection of the Marine Environment from Plastic Pollution in the Russian Federation

Abstract

The subject of the work is the legal norms regulating relations arising in the process of protecting the marine environment from plastic pollution, as well as the provisions of strategic planning documents related to this issue. The main purpose of the work is to develop, based on the analysis of the current legal regulation and data on the state of marine pollution by plastic, recommendations of a theoretical and practical nature aimed at improving domestic environmental legislation. The methodological basis of the research is a system of various methods, logical techniques and means of cognition. In particular, such methods as analysis, synthesis, deduction, induction, formal legal, etc. were used. The relevance of the chosen research topic is indicated by the fact that plastic is one of the most common pollutants and makes up the majority of marine debris.   At the same time, studies have confirmed the presence of such pollution in 10 of the 12 seas of the Russian Federation. The study made it possible to formulate a number of conclusions with relevance and scientific novelty, including the expediency of tightening administrative responsibility in this area, the need to establish a number of restrictions on the use of disposable plastic products, the development of requirements for antifouling coatings on ships following the Northern Sea Route in order to protect the Arctic marine environment from microplastic pollution. Among other things, it was concluded that one of the main roles in protecting the marine environment from plastic pollution should be performed by environmental education and enlightenment, which should contribute to the formation of a proper ecological culture of citizens, including in the field of handling products (products) consisting of plastic or containing it in its composition. The results of the study can be used to improve legal regulation in the field of protection of the marine environment from plastic pollution, as well as in teaching.