Some implications of ocean research

Abstract

Abstract The funding of much of ocean research is justified on the basis of expected benefits. Such research also has political implications relating to the law of the sea and to the transfer of technology. These implications are illustrated in an analysis of up‐welling research. Potential benefits include the prediction of fishery yields, the forecasting of weather and climate, and the location and assessment of nonliving resources. Because of the location of coastal upwelling, many developing countries are concerned with sharing in these benefits. This concern has affected negotiations over control of marine scientific research in the law‐of‐the‐sea negotiations and is related to the need to develop scientific capability in such countries.