This article aims to establish which international-level legal standards and policy instruments apply to the growing problem of the pollution of the marine environment caused by irregular migration. The first part of the study is devoted to the characteristics and extent of the damage caused by life jackets, boats, and engines left on the coast, some of which are transformed into microplastics in the long run. Although pollution generated by the international movement of people arises regardless of whether it is legal or not, the marine litter associated with hidden migration poses a challenge owing mainly to the lack of control over its flow. Hence, the second part of the article will be devoted to the analysis of measures that should be taken in this specific context to achieve or maintain a good environmental status in marine waters, as well as fulfilling obligations under the UNCLOS regarding the observation and measurement of the risk or impact of pollutants on marine waters. Finally, consideration will be given to choosing the instruments of migration policy in such a way as to enhance and support marine policy goals. One of the most important dilemmas in this respect is whether we should aim at even tighter control over irregular migration or, conversely, develop greater opportunities for regular migration.

本文旨在确定哪些国际水平的法律标准和政策文书适用于日益严重的非正常移民造成的海洋环境污染问题。该研究的第一部分专门研究了留在海岸上的救生衣、船只和发动机造成的损害的特征和程度，其中一些从长远来看会转化为微塑料。尽管无论是否合法，国际人口流动产生的污染都会产生，但与隐蔽迁移相关的海洋垃圾却面临挑战，主要是由于对其流动缺乏控制。因此，本文的第二部分将专门分析在这种特定情况下应采取的措施，以实现或保持海洋水域的良好环境状况，以及履行《联合国海洋法公约》关于观察和测量污染物对海洋水域的风险或影响的义务。最后，将考虑以加强和支持海洋政策目标的方式选择移民政策工具。在这方面，最重要的困境之一是我们是否应该着眼于对非正常移民进行更严格的控制，或者相反，为正常移民创造更多机会。