North Yorkshire has a significant coastline and people who access the beach and work near the sea will be most affected by marine pollution. Harbour authorities have overall responsibility for the safety of marine operations on waters within their jurisdiction and to ensure the environment is safeguarded.

What could happen

Oil is the most significant pollutant associated with port marine operations and an oil spill could cause significant damage to the environment.

What you can do:

• in the event of an incident, abide by the restrictions set on fishing or using the beaches
• report any incidents of pollution to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency or Environment Agency 

What the local resilience forum is doing:

• port contingency plans are in place to ensure that there is a timely and effective response to a marine pollution incident. 
• working closely with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, wildlife agencies and port operators who investigate sources of pollution and prosecute where possible