The Legal Protection of the Marine Environment Against Pollution Damage

This study examines the Moroccan legal framework for protecting the marine environment against pollution damage, starting from the strategic importance of Morocco's coastline extending over 3,400 km and its Exclusive Economic Zone of 188 million hectares established in 1981. The author analyses the dimensions of marine pollution, reviews the applicable national and international legal instruments — including the Montego Bay Convention and Barcelona Protocols — and reveals the inadequacy of existing civil and criminal law rules in addressing the specific characteristics of marine environmental damage, particularly regarding proof of causation, assessment of compensation, and identification of liable parties. The study proposes an innovative legislative approach establishing objective liability and strengthening mechanisms for environmental deterrence and restoration.