Chapter 16. Maritime Security in the Polar Regions

Abstract

While the Arctic lacks a developed regional legal framework, maritime security because of its Cold War historical roots has retained its significance. Building upon this background, this chapter addresses international law and contemporary maritime security issues in the Polar Regions, with particular attention being given to the Law of the Sea (LOS Convention) and its role in regulating maritime security and its interaction with the Antarctic and Arctic legal regimes. The chapter briefly assesses the definitions associated with maritime security. This is followed by an assessment of maritime security issues in the Polar Regions. Consideration is then given to the interaction of international law with polar maritime security. The chapter analyzes some particular issues arising under the LOS Convention and regional mechanisms for addressing maritime security. It considers how post-9/11 maritime security issues have been addressed in the Polar Regions. Keywords: Antarctic legal regimes; Arctic legal regimes; international law; Law of the Sea (LOS Convention); maritime security issues; polar regions