Regulation of marine scientific research by the European community and its member states

Abstract

Abstract The competence of the European Community (EC) in the area of marine scientific research, since 1987 based expressly on European Economic Community (EEC) Treaty provisions, is limited to the promotion and coordination of such research in the EC member states; it may also itself conduct research. In addition, the Community is becoming increasingly active in international cooperation, thus exercising external competences in this field. The basic prohibitions in the EEC Treaty on restrictive (discriminatory) measures in practice have little impact on the member states’ policies with respect to marine scientific research. The establishment of exclusive economic zones (EEZs) is a competence of the individual member states of the Community. Three have already done so. Establishment of EEZs by the other EC coastal member states will in practice have little or no implications for marine scientific research by foreign researchers, unless the coastal states involved would decide to exercise their new rights...