Protection of important marine areas from the impacts of international shipping was on the agenda at a workshop in Nadi, Fiji (29-31 July). The workshop assisted Pacific island representatives in identifying potential marine areas that could be designated as Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs). PSSAs are areas that need special protection due to ecological or socio-economic or scientific reasons and which may be vulnerable to damage by international maritime activities.
Edward Kleverlaan, Marine Environment Division, was representing IMO at the event, which was run by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) in collaboration with IMO. Further details, including a full list of participating countries, can be found here.