The transport and transformation processes which influence the way in which waste materials are dispersed and incorporated into the marine environment are reviewed and summarized as a preface for appreciation of the technical papers which follow in the volume. In a similar vein the papers are discussed in relation to an outline of a risk assessment framework which may be useful in guiding both regulatory action and future research. It is concluded that marine environmental process research has a role to play, but not an exclusive role in regulation. The nature of the environment is such that not all the scientific questions have been answered, nor can they be expected to be answered in the near future to the satisfaction of regulatory agencies or the public at large. Consequently, regulatory actions must incorporate other approaches and research must be supported that focuses on critical environmental problems.