Environmental Crime Protection and Australian Federal Police

This report addresses the growing concern of environmental crime and explores strategies for its protection. It begins with an introduction to environmental crime, highlighting its increasing impact due to population growth and industrialization. The report then delves into various categories of environmental crime, including environmental pollution, illegal trading of ozone-depleting substances, toxic waste dumping, illegal fishing and hunting, trafficking of wild animals, and indiscriminate logging. It further discusses strategies for environmental protection, including statutory provisions and the role of stakeholders. The report emphasizes the role of the Australian Federal Police in enforcing environmental crime regulations and preventing violations. It concludes with recommendations for reducing environmental crime, emphasizing the need for a multi-faceted approach to protect Australia's diverse ecosystems and natural resources. The report also provides insights into lessons learned from other jurisdictions that can be implemented to preserve the ecological balance of the environment and protect the species.

Running head: ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME PROTECTION
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME PROTECTION
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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Summary of the report:
The environmental crime is considered to be a growing concern for the nations as they need to implement new
techniques and strategies in order to cause an impact to the environment in a positive way and to reduce the crimes
which are happening against the environment. The paper deals with the crimes relating to environment and how to
protect the environment by reducing the crimes. This report gives a brief introduction on the environmental crime
protection and then moves on to discuss the various categories of the environmental crime which include:
 Environmental Pollution: In this part the various pollution that causes an effect in the environment and the
impact of the pollution on the environment has been discussed.
 Illegal Trading of the Ozone-Depleting Substances: In this portion the illegal trading of the ozone depleting
substances and the impacts of those substances on the environment are considered to be discussed.
 Toxic Waste Dumping of the materials into the Water-bodies: This portion discusses the toxic waste being
dumped in the water-bodies and the effect it creates on the environment and the impact of such on the
marine life has also been discussed as it hampers the environment. This has been regulated by the statutory
provision which has been discussed further in the report.
 Illegal fishing and hunting of animals and Finning: In this portion the report discusses the various process
in which animals are harmed and therefore, they are considered to be protected. Finning causes slow and
painful death to the sharks and therefore, it is considered to be inhuman in nature which would cause pain
to the animals and the protection of the animals are considered to be necessary.
 Trafficking of Wild Animals: In this part the trafficking of wild animals are considered to be illegal and
therefore, the trafficking of such animals should be prevented. There are various enforcement agencies
which looks after such activities and tries to protect the animals from being taken to some other place
which is not considered to be the natural habitat of the place and thus, these kinds of activities are to be
prevented from happening further. This is considered to be further discussed in the report.
 Indiscriminate Logging: The trees are cut down which creates an impact on the weather of the environment
and deforestation needs to be prevented which has been discussed further in the report.
Thus, it can be understood that these are certain factors which are considered to hamper or cause an effect or
impact to the environment.
It further moves on to discuss the various strategies that are to be taken by the government in order to prevent
the environmental protection. There are several statutory provisions which are enforced or enacted which would
help the government in order to implement the laws or the regulations on the individuals and the enterprises and to
pose a penalty which would limit the individuals or the enterprises from committing any crime relating to the
environment. Therefore, it can be understood that the government has implemented various strategies by which the
environmental crime have been reduced or the government is aiming to reduce. It further moves on to the stake-
holders who can help and assist the government by sponsoring the initiatives which have been implemented by the
government. It also discusses the challenges which have been faced by the government in order to implement the
regulations and the guidelines pertaining to the environmental crime in order to reduce it. Furthermore, the report
discusses the role of the Australian federal Police in reducing the environmental crime or to take various measures
which are to be used in order to reduce the environmental crime. The Australian Federal Police is considered to be
the primary law enforcing agency in Australia and the AFP enforces the power and authorities by executing the
statutory provisions on the individuals or the enterprises or corporations in order to remove environmental crime and
reduce the rate of such. Therefore, the environmental crime protection needs to be enforced by the Australian
Federal police and would also pose a restriction or limitation to the individuals who would be causing a violation by
imposing penalties on them. It further talks about the lessons that have been learnt from the other jurisdictions which
can be implemented by the government and the local authorities in order to protect the environment and the species
as Australia is considered to be the land which has a rich heritage and landscapes and have diverse ecosystems
which needs to be protected and preserved in order for the future generations to enjoy those natural resources. Due
to this the environment along with the ecosystems including the flora and the fauna to be protected and preserved.
There are other initiatives which have been taken by the government of the other jurisdictions which can be
implemented in order to preserve and maintain the ecological balance of the environment. This report further
concludes the points which have been discussed in this paper and in conclusion, it also gives certain
recommendations which can be implemented by the government in order to reduce the rate of environmental crime
in the nation.

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Introduction
Environmental Crime has become a rising concern in today’s day and age where several
nations are implementing various new techniques in order to protect the crimes against the
environment. Therefore, the environmental crime protection techniques are considered to
safeguard the environment from being subjected to crime. There are various crimes which are
taking place which are hampering the environment due to the increase in population and
industrialization. The increase in industries are creating a concrete jungle which are leading to
the cutting down of trees and increase in toxic waste being thrown into the water-bodies which
consists of harmful chemicals which are hampering the environment and causing an impact on
the conditions which are related to the environment which are relating to global warming and
changes in the climatic conditions. Therefore, the environment needs to be protected. Various
ways and approaches are being taken which would try to protect the environment (White & Pink
2016).
This paper discusses the various strategies which can be taken into consideration for
trying to prevent environmental crime. The challenges which are faced in order to prevent the
environmental crime. The lessons that can be learnt and understood from the other jurisdictions
which can be implemented. The role of Australian Federal Police in order to implement
techniques which would have an effect on the environment. This paper would conclude by
summarizing the points which are discussed and by providing a few recommendations which
would be useful if it is implemented as protection against the environment.

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Discussion
Environmental Crime has become an increased concern for the countries in this world
and it has become a significant part in the criminology as it has come to be known as green
criminology. The crime rate due to environmental degradation are increasing and thus there
needs to be actions taken by the government that would decrease or reduce the rate of
environmental crimes. The various major categories of environmental crimes that are recognized
in the nation they include pollution in any land air or water, illegal trading of the ozone depleting
substances, dumping of different kinds of toxic wastes in the several water-bodies, illegal
hunting and fishing of animals and finning and indiscriminate logging and trafficking of wild
animals. These rise in such environmental crimes are becoming a growing concern and the
government are taking various initiatives which are to reduce the rate of these crimes (Brisman
South & White 2016).
Categories of Environmental Crime
 Environmental Pollution: Due to increase in population and industrialization there has
been a sudden development and a rapid growth of industries which impacts the
environment as the trees are being cut down in order to create these industries the
industries release toxic waste and chemicals into the water-bodies which are injurious and
it creates a huge negative impact to the environment. Due to these activities pollution is
increasing which hampers the environment. The EPBC Act, along with the local
governments take initiatives to regulate the environment and try to reduce the rate.
 Illegal Trading of the Ozone-Depleting Substances: The substances that create an
effect on the ozone layer of the Earth are called the ozone-depleting substances. There
has been illegal trading of these substances in the nation which causes an effect on the

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environment as ozone layer protects the planet from the harmful ultra-violet rays of the
sun. Therefore, illegal trading of these substances which causes harm to the environment
are to be regulated. The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management
Act 1989, acts as the regulatory authority in pertaining to the crimes which are effecting
this specific are and it controls those ozone depleting substances export import into
Australia. The use of illegal ozone-depleting substances are hampering the ozone-layer
which is protecting the planet from harmful radiations therefore, regulations in order to
reduce the use of ozone-depleting substances are necessary or there can be ne alternative
methods which can be implemented which would not effect the environment and not
effect the ozone layer in the environment.
 Toxic Waste Dumping of the materials into the Water-bodies: The dumping of waste
materials in the water-bodies are serious hazards which are caused to the environment.
The industries release their toxic waste and the chemicals and dump them in the water-
bodies which creates marine pollution as these are hazardous and causes environmental
hazards. The Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981 (the Sea Dumping Act)
regulates and looks over this specific are which is considered to cause marine pollution
and has hazardous effect as it effects the lives of various species which are living under
water. Therefore, in order to reduce the dumping of such toxic waste the enterprises need
to act responsibly and need to prevent the dumping of waste materials in the
environment.
 Illegal fishing and hunting of animals and Finning: There have been various ways in
which illegal hunting and fishing of animals take place which creates an environmental
impact on the environment as it endangers the lives of those species and animals. Hunting

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and poaching of endangered species are considered to be a crime as the lives of those
endangered species are taken and the animals are killed. Therefore, there have been
regulations and guidelines which try to provide protection to those animals under the
EPBC Act. Finning is the process by which the fins of the sharks are cut off while they
are alive and they are thrown into the water after their fins have been cut off. This process
is painful and inhuman which is considered to be illegal. The protection of the animals
are necessary in order to avoid these practices from happening further. Therefore, illegal
fishing and hunting of animals and the process of Finning are considered to be an
environmental offence.
 Trafficking of Wild Animals: The wild animals are to be protected and preserved which
would mean that the animals should not be subjected to cruelty. Illegal trafficking of the
wild animals are environmental offence since the animals are being captivated against
their will and they are bought and sold by buyers and sellers which are considered to be
illegal. Therefore, it is considered to be a serious environmental offence.
 Indiscriminate Logging: Logging is considered to be in violation of the environment
since is cutting down of woods which creates an enormous damage to the forests.
Therefore, it needs to be regulated. It leads to deforestation and causing great amount of
damage to the forest areas which would effect the environment and cause damage to the
environment.
The various strategies which are in place to tackle environmental crime
Environmental crime is considered to be increasing and there are various initiatives that
are being taken by the government in order to reduce such crimes. Australia is a country which
has rich in cultural heritage and they have diverse ecosystems that needs to be protected and

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maintained. The various initiatives are needed to be implemented in order to protect the
environment so that the future generations have the opportunity to enjoy it. The government in
Australia has provided various new techniques and regulations that have been enforced by the
government in order to ensure safety in the environment. The Australian Federal Police has been
enforced as the chief law enforcing agency that would look after the crimes which are pertaining
to the environment. Therefore, the regulations that are imposed by the government are looked
after by the chief law enforcing agency which is the Australian Federal Police and they indict the
people who are involved in crimes relating to the environment (Wright 2017).
The government has enacted the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation
Act, 1999 which imposes regulations and guidelines for the people so that there is a reduction in
the rate of crimes which are pertaining to the environment. This act or the regulation is
considered to provide a federal umbrella to the crimes which are hampering the environment.
These crimes that are taking place are considered to be regulated and the offenders who are
involved in such crimes are indicted or punished. This Act has also received the judicial
consideration by the courts of Australia.
Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports & Imports) Act, 1989, Fisheries Management
Act, 1991. Have been implemented by the Australian government which has also been
implemented which helps or assists in reducing the crimes against the environment. Therefore,
the regulations that are enacted by the government are considered to be enforced lawfully in the
nation that would help in reducing the crimes against the environment and to save the
environment from degradation and other crimes which are trying to hamper the environment.
Australia is considered to be a biologically diverse country which has various species of
flora and fauna and it needs to be protected from the offenders who are trying to destroy these.

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Therefore, the government along with the Australian Federal Police tries to ensure the safety of
the species as well as try to reduce any kind of environmental degradation from happening
further by implementing laws and regulations which would pose a restriction on the individuals
in the nation and would punish the offenders (Cozens & Love 2015).
Stake-holders who can help reduce Environmental Crime
The public or the general people who are a part of a society are considered to be acting as
major stakeholders who can help the government in order to protect and reduce crimes which are
happening in the environment. The public can abide by the rules and regulations which are being
implemented by the government and to support the government for introducing or implementing
initiatives which would be pertaining to the environmental crimes and thus, would help the
government to protect and ensure the crimes against environment.
There can be implementation of various approaches which would help in ensuring safety
in the environment and try to control the crimes and regulate it by implementing new strategies
which would protect the wildlife and would try to ensure safety to the animals from being
subjected to cruelty. The EPBC Act, tries to regulate the movement of the plant, animal and
other products in Australia from being subjected to degradation or other harm or injuries.
Therefore, Australia has regulations laid down which cater to certain aspects which would assist
them to safeguard the environment against any environmental crimes.
There can be several business enterprises which can act responsibly and try to implement
safety procedures in the environment in order to prevent the crimes which are pertaining to the
environment. Therefore, the business enterprises can also try to reduce their use of toxic
chemicals and dumping those toxic waste in the water-bodies. This would reduce rate of the

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impact which it has on the environment. The business enterprises or the organizations should be
able to support the government and sponsor certain initiatives that are to ensure safety and thus
the organizations due to their enormous support and support would give the government a huge
financial backing which would ensure the safety of the environment.
Thus, there are various measures that can be implemented and the stakeholders would be
able to assist the government in order to ensure the safety of the environment from any kind of
environmental crimes. The stakeholders do not have the power to make laws but they can
support the government in taking various initiatives to support the cause of environmental
protection (Wortley & Townsley 2016).
Challenges which are faced by the Government
The government has enacted various regulations relating to the environmental crime
protection but even then the crime against environment are not reducing since the government
although is providing various measures cannot enforce these guidelines since the enforcement is
a little weak. This issue although is a growing concern for different nations the people are not
much involved in it and carry on hampering the environment. Therefore, there are various
challenges which are faced by the government in implementing environmental crimes. The
Australian government has signed and ratified treaties and agreements with several other
countries to protect the environment from the crimes which are hampering the conditions of the
environment. There are various local governments in Australia that are taking measures in order
to protect the environment but they do not have the regulating authorities and they need the
approval of the environment minister. Only after getting the approval would they be able to take
measures in the environment.

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The government enforces regulations but due to weak financial backing does not get to
implement them effectively. There needs to be financial assistance given to the government that
can be through private enterprises that would assist them in protecting the environment. The
private enterprises should sponsor the initiatives which are being implemented and enforced by
the government (Pink & White 2016).
The role of Australian Federal Police in protecting the environment:
The Australian Federal Police are considered to be the primary law enforcing agency
which enforces and executes the crimes which are pertaining to the environment and is
considered to be a regulatory authority. The AFP tries to take measures in order to implement
and enforce the laws and indicts or punishes the people who pose a threat to the environment.
Therefore, the Australian Federal Police tries to enforce and implement the regulations which
have been laid down in the provisions or the statutes and try to execute those regulations which
are laid down to protect and preserve the environment.
Lessons which have been learned from other Jurisdictions
The environmental crimes are considered to hamper the environment which would effect
the lives of millions. Australia is a country which has a rich and diverse heritage. There are
several ecosystems which needs to be preserved and protected so that the future generations have
the opportunity of enjoying it. Due to increase in population and rapid growth structure there
have been many new developments in order to progress but by developing the environment is
getting effected and there has become a great amount of impact on the environment which needs
to be taken into consideration and there needs to be several approaches which needs to be used
which would also help and assist in protecting the environment from those impacts. There needs
to be various enactments which needs to protect the flora as well as fauna. The wildlife needs to

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be protected as there are rising crimes which are subjecting the animals to cruelty and illegal
hunting and poaching. The regulations need to be stronger which would create a positive impact
on the environment and try to ensure safety to the animals.
Awareness is being given by different jurisdictions which are educating the people in
general about the environment and what kind of activities cause an effect to the environment.
Therefore, the public can support several initiatives that are taken by the government There are
certain penalties which are imposed on the individuals and the corporations or the business
enterprises where the penalties are imposed only after the committing of any kind of offence
related to the environment.
There are various new techniques which are being implemented by the government t
ensure the safety of marine life by installing TEDs which are Turtle Excluder Devices which
excludes the turtles which are caught in the net which has been laid for the shrimps to be caught
under the sea. Therefore, new techniques are being implemented which have been adopted from
other jurisdictions. There have been certain green initiatives which are being taken by the
government which would help in reducing the ozone-depleting substances in the environment
(Kopec 2018).
Conclusion
Therefore, from the above discussion, it can be comprehended, that the environmental
crime is considered to be a serious offence which causes environmental degradation. Australia is
the land of diversified ecosystems and heritage sites which needs to be protected and preserved.
The government has taken certain initiatives that help in improving the environment by
providing various regulations and guidelines in the form of statutes and provisions which are