Convention on the protection of the Mediterranean Sea against pollution (Barcelona Convention) and Protocol for the prevention of pollution of the Mediterranean Sea by dumping from ships and aircraft.

For purposes of this Convention, the Mediterranean Sea area shall mean the maritime waters of the Mediterranean Sea proper, including its gulfs and seas, bounded to the west by the meridian passing through the Cape Spartel lighthouse, at the entrance of the Straits of Gibraltar; and to the east by the southern limits of the Straits of the Dardanelles between the Mehmetcik and Kumkale lighthouses. Contracting Parts shall take all appropriate measures to prevent and abate pollution of the Mediterranean Sea area caused by dumping from ships and aircraft, and combat pollution resulting from exploration and exploitation of the continental shelf and the seabed and its subsoil. A monitoring system shall be established and the Contracting Parties shall undertake as far as possible to cooperate in the fields of science and technology and to exchange data as well as other scientific information for the purpose of this Convention. Article 22 deals with settlement of disputes. The dumping into the Mediterranean Sea area of all other wastes or other matter requires a prior general permit from the competent national authorities. In the Annex are also listed wastes and other matter, the dumping of which requires special care.