Author: United Nations Environment Programme

Publisher: UNEP

Published: 2006-10-20

Total Pages: 68

ISBN-13: 9789211587074

This publication is one of a series of strategic impact assessments carried out as part of the Global International Waters Assessment Project (GIWA-UNEP/GEF) to evaluate the worlds transboundary waters, in recognition of the links between freshwater and coastal marine environments and the effects of human activities. This report presents the results of the GIWA assessment of the Sea of Okhotsk region. Rapid population growth and economic development have led to increasing pollution loads in the Amur River basin (the region's largest drainage basin) placing increasing pressure on its diverse ecosystems. In the Sea of Okhotsk region, fishing fleets are unsustainably exploiting the Sea's fisheries, and the extensive oil and gas development will significantly increase the risk of spills in the future. The report assesses the past and present status and future prospects of the region, and traces the transboundary issues back to their root causes. Policy options are proposed that aim to address these driving issues in order to enhance the environmental quality of the region and secure the future prosperity of its inhabitants