The South China Sea Arbitral Award: legal implications for fisheries management and cooperation in the South China Sea

Abstract

This case note discusses the recent Award in the South China Sea arbitration and its implications for fisheries management and cooperation in the South China Sea. It argues that by rejecting the validity of the nine-dash line claim, clarifying the maritime entitlements of all the features in the Spratlys, and denouncing a number of Chinese activities in the South China Sea, the Award has remarkably contributed to narrowing the geographical scope of the disputes and thus defining the rights and obligations of States in different maritime areas. Ultimately, the Award has laid the foundation for future regional and bilateral efforts to cooperate, especially those of fisheries management and fisheries management cooperation in the South China Sea.