Hydrographic Surveying In Exclusive Economic Zones Is It Marine Scientific Research?

Abstract

This chapter addresses the relationship between hydrographic surveying and marine scientific research in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). It recognises differences of view on whether or not another state might conduct hydrographic surveys in an EEZ without the prior authorization of the coastal State. The chapter argues that trends in recent decades with technology concern for the health of the marine environment, and the increased significance of integrated coastal zone management (ICZM), as well as much State practice, suggest that hydrographic surveys in the EEZ should now be regarded as marine scientific research, and thus fall within the jurisdiction of the coastal State in accordance with the provisions of Parts V and XIII of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It concludes that some other term such as military data collection or data gathering should be used to distinguish this military activity from hydrographic surveying. Keywords: coastal State; exclusive economic zone (EEZ); hydrographic surveying; integrated coastal zone management (ICZM); marine scientific research; military data collection; UNCLOS