BRUSSELS, March 29 (Xinhua) -- A piece of European Union (EU) legislation, which introduces a range of penalties for illegal discharges at sea, will come into effect on April 1, 2007.

    The 2005 directive on ship-source pollution imposes penalties on anyone found to have caused or contributed to illegal pollution either deliberately or as a result of negligent acts.

    "We must get tough on illegal discharges and gross negligence must be fought at all costs: the threat of criminal penalties hanging over polluters' heads will help to protect our coasts," said Jacques Barrot, European Commission vice president in charge of transport, Thursday.

    The directive tackles discharges in all sea areas, including the high seas. It applies to all ships calling at EU ports, regardless of whatever flag they fly.

    The instruction is also designed to enhance cooperation between EU member states to detect illegal discharges and identify their sources.

    The member states are obliged to incorporate this directive into their national laws by March 31, 2007.