The Law of the Sea, formally known as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), is a comprehensive international agreement that governs all aspects of ocean space, from territorial waters to the deep seabed. It establishes a legal framework for the use and conservation of the world's oceans.
- Key Provisions of UNCLOS
- Territorial Waters: Coastal states have sovereignty over their territorial waters, extending 12 nautical miles from their coastlines.
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): Coastal states have exclusive rights to explore and exploit natural resources within their EEZ, which extends 200 nautical miles from their coastlines.
- Continental Shelf: Coastal states have sovereign rights over the natural resources of their continental shelf, which can extend beyond the 200-nautical mile limit in certain circumstances.
- High Seas: Areas of the ocean beyond national jurisdiction are considered the "high seas" and are open to all states for freedom of navigation, fishing, and scientific research.
- Deep Seabed: The deep seabed and its resources are considered the "common heritage of mankind" and are subject to international regulation.
- Marine Pollution: UNCLOS addresses marine pollution and encourages states to cooperate in preventing and controlling pollution of the marine environment.
- Significance of UNCLOS
- Provides a legal framework for the peaceful and equitable use of the world's oceans.
- Helps to prevent conflicts over maritime boundaries and resources.
- Promotes the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
- Contributes to the protection of the marine environment.
- Challenges and Issues
- Disputes over maritime boundaries and resource rights continue to arise.
- Challenges in effectively monitoring and enforcing provisions of UNCLOS.
- The impact of climate change on marine ecosystems and the implications for ocean governance.
