443 
systems is a definite possibility, although even here the damage is not 
likely to be permanent unless whole species are eliminated. 
All the effects of stress agents noted above are likely to be most severe 
in semi-enclosed bodies of water and in areas with low flushing rates. The 
special care measures of disposal discussed below are intended to prevent 
substantive damage to any aspect of the biotic components of the marine 
ecosystem. 
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC VALUES 
Although one could quite properly take up fisheries as a part of the above 
marine ecosystem, there is good reason to lend special concern to these 
activities for they are at once both sociologic and economic. Few would 
long argue that fisherfolk the world over do not stand somewhat apart as 
unique sociological entities. The trade that they ply has had some stormy 
political implications from the Herring Wars in the North Sea during the 
18th century to the protective adjustments required of the trade by crea- 
tion of the Exclusive Economic Zone in the 20th century. Their protection- 
ist stance engenders often extreme sensitivity to any environmental change. 
Certainly their interests are to be protected. 
But we must not overlook the equally important uses of the sea for national 
and international trade and commerce which is so vital to the very exist- 
ence of States and to the broader range of interests which they must pro- 
tect. These practical concerns are certainly recognized in the Convention 
in Contracting Parties’ agreement to use the best practicable means to pre- 
vent pollution of the sea (Art. I) according to their economic capabilities 
(Art. II), and in their desire to prevent interference with legitimate uses 
of the sea (Art. I). 
It must be realized, therefore, that the IAPH is itself an arm of the peo- 
ple with economic concerns that must be met without excessive costs. And 
it should be appreciated that there is no attempt on the part of IAPH to 
solve its problems by creating equally difficult problems for others. 
Rather, "special care" measures will be designed to achieve protection of 
all relevant interests of society. , 
