Congressional Digest

International Debates Archives September 2012 No. 6 Vol. 10
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

Law of the Sea Convention

National Jurisdiction Over Use of the World's Oceans

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The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

Historical Perspective and Key Provisions

The oceans had long been subject to the freedom of-the-seas doctrine ― a principle put forth in the seventeenth century essentially limiting national rights and jurisdiction over the oceans to a narrow belt of sea surrounding a nation’s coastline. The remainder of the seas was proclaimed to be free to all and belonging to none. While this situation prevailed into the twentieth century, by mid-century there was an impetus to extend national claims over offshore resources. There was growing concern over the toll taken on coastal fish stocks by long-distance fishing fleets and over the threat of pollution and wastes…

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