Natural gas is produced from wells on the continental shelves near Russia, Southeast Asia, and Australia. The Pacific is one of the world's major trade routes. Since the mid-1900's, the transportation of goods across the ocean has increased as East and Southeast Asian countries have developed industrially. The marginal seas of the Pacific near East and Southeast Asia are also important routes for passenger ships. For example, many people in the Philippines ride passenger ferries to travel from one island to another.
Pollution is a problem chiefly in Pacific coastal waters and marginal seas near cities.
Many of these areas are severely polluted with industrial wastes and sewage. Oil spilled from tankers or offshore oil wells also enters the ocean and threatens marine life. This treaty went into effect in 1994, after a required 60 nations had ratified it. It includes provisions for restricting pollution of the oceans. The treaty also regulates fishing and undersea mining and establishes offshore territorial boundaries.