In this comprehensive introduction to the issues surrounding the use of the marine environment, the contribution of the maritime sector, specifically shipping and ports, to global environmental impacts is explored in depth. Using an ecosystem-based approach, the author reviews these impacts and considers their relative significance. 

The book begins with a broad overview of the marine and coastal environment, including ecological, social, political and legal aspects of its resources and its uses. It presents the dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of environmental management as a means of mitigating or adapting to environmental impacts, placing it in the context of the maritime industry. The author proceeds to explore the environmental impacts of the maritime industry in detail, with in-depth treatments of the shipping and ports sectors. The book then outlines a range of practical tools employed in maritime environmental management such as risk assessment, impact assessment and environmental accounting. It describes the nature and role of relevant organisations, both national and international, and includes the latest regulations and agreements as well as highlighting a range of corporate responses such as management systems and corporate sustainability reporting. 

Effective marine management and responsible use of the marine environment by the maritime sector is increasingly demanded by society. This book considers the success of current systems in place, including the questions of value and specific mechanisms of funding. Finally, a horizon scanning view of marine and maritime environmental management summarises possible future developments and scenarios facing the maritime world.