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2. Maritime zones and the Law of the Sea (part 1)
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2. Maritime zones and the Law of the Sea (part 1)

Introduction to Maritime Zones and the Law of the Sea

In this lecture, we will learn about maritime zones and the law of the sea. We will explore how baselines are identified and discuss the different maritime zones designated under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Understanding the Basis of the Law of the Sea

  • Before UNCLOS, each country had its own rules for marine activities, leading to inconsistency and uncertainty.
  • The United Nations developed UNCLOS as a universal set of rules for global sea use.
  • UNCLOS was agreed upon in 1982 and entered into force in 1994.
  • The purpose of UNCLOS is to establish a legal order for seas and oceans, promoting international communication, peaceful uses, resource utilization, conservation, and environmental protection.

Importance of Understanding the Law of the Sea

  • The law of the sea provides a comprehensive legal framework for regulating ocean space, uses, and resources.
  • It is essential for anyone working or interested in marine environments to have a basic understanding of UNCLOS.

Maritime Zones Defined by UNCLOS

  1. Internal Waters: Waters within a country's baseline that carry the same legal status as land within national borders.
  1. Territorial Sea: Extends up to 12 nautical miles from baselines; coastal states have sovereignty over this zone.
  1. Contiguous Zone: Extends from 12 to 24 nautical miles from baselines; coastal states can impose regulations to prevent infringement.
  1. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): Extends up to 200 nautical miles from baselines; coastal states have special rights over exploration and exploitation of natural resources.
  1. Continental Shelf: Submerged areas extending beyond territorial sea; coastal states have rights over exploration and exploitation of natural resources.
  1. High Seas: Areas beyond national jurisdiction; all states have freedom of navigation and other rights.

Baseline Determination Examples

  • Example 1: Indented Coastline - A baseline is drawn across the mouth of indentations to straighten the coastline for measuring maritime zones.
  • Example 2: Island near Coast - The baseline includes the island if it belongs to the same coastal state as the mainland.

Conclusion

Understanding maritime zones and the law of the sea is crucial for effective management of oceans. UNCLOS provides a legal framework that promotes international cooperation, resource conservation, and environmental protection.

New Section

This section discusses the maritime states' rights and responsibilities within their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and the concept of the continental shelf.

Maritime States' Rights in EEZ

  • Coastal states have sovereign rights to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage natural resources in their EEZ.
  • These rights extend to both living and nonliving resources in the water column, seabed, and subsoil.
  • Coastal states can also establish artificial islands, build installations, undertake scientific research, and protect the marine environment within their EEZ.

Extended Continental Shelf

  • The continental shelf is a relatively shallow shelf that exists off most coastlines.
  • In some cases, it extends beyond the 200 nautical mile boundary of the EEZ.
  • Coastal states can claim an extended continental shelf if it extends beyond 200 nautical miles.
  • The maximum limit for an extended continental shelf is 350 nautical miles from the baseline.
  • The outer limit of the continental shelf must be accurately identified using geodetic data.

New Section

This section explains international straits and their management under the law of the sea.

International Straits

  • Straits are narrow sections of ocean through which international maritime traffic passes.
  • Examples include the Straits of Dover and Malacca Straits.
  • International straits are formed by territorial seas of at least two coastal states.
  • Vessels are allowed transit passage through international straits without engaging in unrelated activities.

Management of Straits

  • Coastal states can manage straits through navigation systems or traffic separation schemes.
  • Vessels passing through international straits must do so efficiently and expeditiously without undertaking other activities.

New Section

This section focuses on the high seas and the need for stronger management to protect biodiversity.

The High Seas

  • The high seas, also known as areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), cover 64% of the surface and 95% of the volume of oceans.
  • ABNJ are considered global commons owned by everyone for the common benefit.
  • Historically, the high seas were protected due to their remoteness and inaccessibility.

Threats to Biodiversity in ABNJ

  • Human activities in ABNJ are expanding rapidly, posing threats to biodiversity.
  • These threats include fishing, habitat degradation, pollution, exploitation of mineral resources, climate change, ocean acidification, and new human activities like bio prospecting.

Need for Stronger Management

  • The United Nations is considering adding stronger legislation to protect biodiversity in ABNJ under the law of the sea.
  • States have power to establish national arrangements for marine environmental protection within their jurisdictions.
  • Marine protected areas and environmental impact assessments are commonly used tools at a national level.

Due to limitations in available timestamps, some sections may not have specific timestamps associated with them.

New Section Adopting Universal Standards

This section discusses the need for universal standards between states and regions to ensure consistent measures in managing the seas.

Developing Consistent Measures

  • Regional groupings such as the European Union and regional seas partnerships seek to develop consistent measures among member states.
  • Conventions like the Abidjan Convention incorporate coastal countries of West Africa and agree on common standards.

Importance of Accurate Marine Spatial Data

  • The successful implementation of UNCLOS depends on accurate and up-to-date marine spatial data.
  • Accurate identification of maritime zones, including baselines and boundaries, is crucial.
  • Up-to-date marine data collection is essential for effective implementation of the law of the sea.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the basis of UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).
  • Appreciate the delineation of maritime zones under UNCLOS.

The language used in this summary is English, as per your request.

Video description

Dr Steve Fletcher starts this lecture by introducing you to the basis of the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Steve considers the maritime zones as delineated under UNCLOS before looking at the impact of UNCLOS on marine environmental protection and marine data collection. -------------- This is part of an e-learning bundle produced by the IMarEST and MLA College, and is offered for free to help build capacity and develop the knowledge and skills of marine professionals. Take the full course here: https://www.imarest.org/events-courses/training-courses/hydrography-course