Environment Canada administers a permit system controlling the disposal of waste and other matter at sea. Each permit is granted following a detailed assessment and sets conditions to protect the marine environment and human health.

Only those substances listed in Schedule 5 of CEPA may be considered for disposal at sea. These are: dredged material, fisheries waste, ships, inert matter, uncontaminated organic matter and bulky substances. Discharges from land or from normal ship operations (such as bilge water) are not considered disposal at sea, but are subject to other controls.

The majority of the material disposed of at sea is dredged material that must be moved to keep shipping channels and harbours clear for navigation and commerce.

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