Abstract
In light of the environmental threats facing the Arctic, this thesis discusses and assesses the current regulatory framework of the Arctic in regards to vessel-source pollutants. It identifies legal shortcomings, such as the omission of black carbon and underwater noise regulations, from MARPOL Annex VI, from the Polar Code, and from the IMO regime. It also offers potential policy solutions in response to these regulatory gaps. Overall, this thesis aims to promote a legally proactive approach by suggesting an Environmental Annex to the Polar Certificate which encompasses all the policy solutions mentioned throughout the thesis.