{"references": ["[1] Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, International maritime organization, accessed 26th march 2022. [2] Leila Mead, '\"The Ocean Is Not a Dumping Ground\" Fifty Years of Regulating Ocean Dumping Brief 28' (December 2021) , accessed 26th March, 2022. [3] Leila Mead, '\"The Ocean Is Not a Dumping Ground\" Fifty Years of Regulating Ocean Dumping' (December 2021) , accessed 26th March, 2022. [4]edited by Deirdre S. Blanchfield,'\"Ocean dumping.\" Environmental Encyclopedia'(2011) Gale, 2011. Gale In Context: Science, , Accessed 26 Mar. 2022. [5] Amy Simmons, 'Scientists fear mass extinction as oceans choke', ABC news (November 30th 2010). [6] Blanchfield, D.S. ed. (2011) 'Marine pollution' in Environmental Encyclopedia, Detroit, MI: Gale, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/CV2644150832/SCIC?u=sain62671&sid=bookmark-SCIC&xid=29da8e9f, accessed 26 Mar 2022. [7] S. Maiti and A. Chowdhury, \"Effects of Anthropogenic Pollution on Mangrove Biodiversity: A Review,\" Journal of Environmental Protection, (Vol. 4 No. 12, 2013, pp. 1428-1434) doi: 10.4236/jep.2013.412163 accessed 26th March 2022 [8] S. Maiti and A. Chowdhury, \"Effects of Anthropogenic Pollution on Mangrove Biodiversity: A Review,\" Journal of Environmental Protection, (Vol. 4 No. 12, 2013, pp. 1428-1434) doi: 10.4236/jep.2013.412163 accessed 26th March 2022 [9] Leila Mead, '\"The Ocean Is Not a Dumping Ground Brief 28\" Fifty Years of Regulating Ocean Dumping' (December 2021) < https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2021-11/still-one-earth-ocean-dumping.pdf >, accessed 26th March, 2022 [10] Paula Jerez Torres, 'Coral Bleaching: Why Reefs Are Dying \u2013 and How to Help'(utopia, February 20th 2022) < Coral Bleaching: Why Reefs Are Dying \u2013 and How to Help - Utopia>, accessed 26th March 2022 [11] 'Ocean Dumping Management', U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website, accessed 26th march 2022. [12] Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, International Maritime Organization, accessed 26th march 2022. [13] International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), International Maritime Organization, accessed 26th march 2022."]}

Dumping refers to the improper disposal of waste materials into open oceans. An absence of proper waste disposal systems, oil spills and land run-offs are some of the most common reasons behind dumping. Dumping of waste products into oceans has adverse effects on the marine ecosystem and also on human health and livelihood. The Indian Ocean is on the verge of becoming one of the most polluted water bodies in the world. This article explores the causes and consequences of oceanic dumping with special reference to the Indian Ocean. The London Protocol is one of the first and most rigorous international frameworks to control oceanic dumping. This article aims to critically scrutinize the provisions of the London Protocol. The application of the provisions of London Protocol to curtail oceanic dumping has also been analysed in this article. Most of the Indian Ocean states have not ratified the London Protocol and hence are non-parties to the same. This article elucidates upon the benefits of becoming a member to the said protocol. Lastly, the article also examines the implications of the provisions of London Protocol upon these states once they do ratify the protocol.