United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

Abstract

In retrospect, even prior to entry into force of the Convention on Nov. 16, 1994, the Convention has in fact had major impact on the way nations and their constituents conduct activities on, above, and under the planet's waters. Establishment and recognition of territorial sea limitation and the EEZ by over 100 coastal states to date, as well as the concepts promulgated within the Convention for Innocent Passage, Transit Passage, traffic through straits and archipelagic states, have all been and are continuing to be followed. The living and non-living resources regimes and their application post entry into force is still remaining to be seen as to its impact upon ongoing and future practices. Protection and preservation of the marine environment, marine scientific research issues, and boundary dispute problems are all being conducted under the umbrella of this Constitution of the Seas. Other ocean related activities such as rights of land locked geographical states, development of marine technology, archaeological and historical objects found at sea, and similar collateral issues are also provided for. The Law of the Sea Convention has in effect touched us all, and its role in future peaceful development and coextensive uses of the seas for transportation, resources, recreation, scientific research and support of life on planet earth will certainly be felt throughout the world.