Maritime Boundary Delimitation Research Articles

Integration of AWEI and Otsu Threshold Algorithms for Maritime Boundary Delimitation: A Case Study of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict in the Sea of Azov

Since the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, Russia and Ukraine, newly independent, face complexities concerning the legal status and demarcation of the Sea of Azov. Spanning approximately 37,600 km2 with a maximum depth of 14 meters, this sea holds pivotal resources such as fish, gas, and oil, serving as a significant dividing point between these nations. Maritime boundary delineation, often set at 12 nautical miles from the baseline, is complex due to the sea's intricate coastline and small islands. Some coastal areas have distances less than 24 nautical miles, causing boundary overlaps. Russia and Ukraine have cited UNCLOS Article 298, exempting UNCLOS dispute resolution for the Sea of Azov's demarcation. This study aims to assess the AWEI and Otsu thresholding algorithms' efficacy in defining the maritime boundary between Russia and Ukraine in the Sea of Azov, utilizing 'LANDSAT/LC08/C02/T1_L2' data. It also aims to comprehend the geopolitical and conflict resolution implications of delineating maritime boundaries aligned with UNCLOS 1982 for both countries and wider regions. The AWEI algorithm consistently maps coastlines, while Otsu thresholding facilitates automated image segmentation, yielding 117 base points covering 13,331 km2 (Russia) and 21,749 km2 (Ukraine) within the EEZ, based on equidistant and median base point analysis.

DISPUTE SETTLEMENT MECHANISMS UNDER THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF THE SEA 1982: THE WAY FORWARD FOR MALDIVES

The maritime boundary delimitation judgment by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea between Mauritius and the Maldives was the first Maldivian dispute settled at an international court or tribunal. Regrettably, misinterpretation and misinformation regarding international laws and the Maldivian domestic laws related to the dispute became prevalent among the Maldivian community. One of the core concerns that need to be addressed is how Maldives got subjected to a legally binding dispute settlement mechanism concerning a dispute that was initially regarding the sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago between two other States, namely: Mauritius and the United Kingdom. Additionally, it is important to determine whether Maldives has any other legal means to safeguard its maritime zones from future maritime disputes. The main objective of this paper is to explore the dispute settlement mechanisms under Part XV of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOSC) and determine how these provisions can be utilised to safeguard the Maldivian maritime zones. This research is primarily a doctrinal legal research. Firstly, the article outlines the provisions under Part XV of the LOSC whilst exploring its drafting history. Next, the article analyses the optional exception on maritime delimitation under LOSC Article 298(1)(a) and its significance to the Maldivian situation. It suggests that considering the undelimited outer continental shelves of Maldives, Maldives should consider declaring an optional exception under LOSC Article 298(1)(a). The article concludes that optional declarations serve as safeguards against premature and costly dispute resolution.

Vietnam - Indonesia Cooperation on Sea Definition: Practice and Meaning

Vietnam has a long coastline and a large sea area, with several islands and archipelagoes, particularly the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagoes. Therefore, Vietnam's main objectives during the process of national construction and growth are maritime security in particular and the safeguarding of the integrity of its land, sea, and airspace. Vietnam consistently emphasizes cooperation with regional nations to achieve this objective in particular. According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1958, Vietnam shares maritime borders with China and Cambodia, and shares continental shelf boundaries with China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand. Currently, according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 1982, the boundary of Vietnam's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf is expanded and adjacent to many countries. Besides the well-defined sea areas with neighboring countries (Thailand, Indonesia), Vietnam is still negotiating some of the remaining sea ares with China, Malaysia and Cambodia. Among the countries with which Vietnam has completed negotiations on maritime delimitation, the cooperation between Vietnam and Indonesia on maritime delimitation is very important, creating a premise for a clearer maritime boundary delimitation with other countries and contributing to promoting the development of the Vietnam - Indonesia Strategic Partnership to a new level. This article will present and analyze the cooperation relationship on maritime delimitation between Vietnam and Indonesia from the perspective of international studies.

Developing a near-seamless tidal datum by integrating tidal and satellite altimetry data with a Digital Elevation Model for maritime boundary delimitation

ABSTRACT The delimitation of maritime boundaries plays a significant role in preserving the country’s sovereignty and jurisdiction. The maritime baseline was established based on the combination of maritime basepoints, which represents the Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) along the coast. However, the current approach still relies on the limited and sparsely distributed tide gauge stations for the determination of LAT. Therefore, this study aims to develop the Peninsular Malaysia Near-Seamless Tidal Datum (PMNSTD) by integrating tide gauge, satellite altimetry, and Tide Model Driver (TMD) data. PMNSTD was further integrated with Digital Elevation Models (DEM) for the delimitation of maritime boundaries. This study methodology includes data acquisitions of 12 tide gauge stations along the coast of Peninsular Malaysia, satellite altimetry data for TOPEX, Jason-1, Jason-2, and GEOSAT Follow-On (GFO) from Radar Altimeter Database System (RADS), TMD, and TerraSAR-X add on for Digital Elevation Measurement 30 m (TanDEM-X) data. The tide gauge, satellite altimetry, and TMD data encompass 23 years of tidal observation data from 1993 to 2015. For the derivation of the tidal datum, the tide gauge and satellite altimetry data were analysed using harmonic analysis in UTide, whereas, for the TMD data, the tidal datum was determined based on tidal prediction. For compatibility in data integration, the derived Lowest and Highest Astronomical Tide (LAT and HAT) from tide gauge, satellite altimetry, and TMD data were referenced to the Mean Sea Level (MSL), denoted as and respectively. Next, the and was interpolated using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) to develop the PMNSTD (and ) using ArcGIS. The statistical assessment indicates that the PMNSTD ( and ) established from the integration of tide gauge, satellite altimetry, and TMD has a better agreement with the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (DSMM) tide gauges with a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Standard Deviation (STD) of 0.228 m and 0.175 m for , as well as 0.159 m and 0.079 m for . Next, the PMNSTD () was integrated with TanDEM-X using ArcGIS and SURFER for the delimitation of maritime boundaries. The reliability assessment illustrated a significant improvement in the continuation of 201 maritime basepoints in comparison to the 95 maritime basepoints by the DSMM. In conclusion, the proposed approach has shown a continuous, consistent, and wider establishment of the country’s maritime baseline for the Peninsular Malaysia region.

People, State and Border: Examining Bangladesh-Myanmar Border Relations

Bangladesh has two immediate neighbors, India and Myanmar. Bangladesh shares both land and maritime border with Myanmar. After a long-standing maritime boundary delimitation dispute, Bangladesh and Myanmar resolved the dispute peacefully in 2012. However, Bangladesh-Myanmar land border often becomes a source of tension which often results in the killing of the members of the security forces and the innocent people. It is worthy to note that in September 2022, Myanmar mobilized troops on its border with Bangladesh. In addition, human trafficking, drugs trafficking, and arms trafficking are regular phenomenon in Bangladesh-Myanmar border. After August 2017 violence and torture by the Myanmar armies to the Rohingya people, more than 1.1 million Rohingyas fled Myanmar and took shelter in Bangladesh through Bangladesh-Myanmar border. Despite the existing challenges with severe implications, Bangladesh-Myanmar border issue has remained understudied. Against this backdrop, this article tries to understand border cooperation and challenges between Bangladesh and Myanmar.

The New Italian Exclusive Economic Zone and Italy-Montenegro Maritime Boundary Delimitation

The paper examines the newly proclaimed Italian Exclusive Economic Zone and its impact on the delimitation of the maritime boundaries between Italy and Montenegro. By Law No. 91 of 14 June 2021, published in the Official Journal No. 148 of 23 June 2021, the Italian Parliament proclaimed its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), to allow Italy to fully project its economic rights over an area of the sea extending up to 200 miles from its shores or up to the limit allowed by international law. In line with the trend of progressive extension of the jurisdiction of coastal states in waters beyond their territorial sea in the Mediterranean, this measure is taken in compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to allow the country to protect its economic activities, and biodiversity protection. Anyway, even if the law authorizes the EEZ establishment, a further ad hoc measure is required to this aim. Its delimitation will take place primarily based on agreements: Italy is supposed to negotiate new agreements with the neighboring Countries, including Montenegro, in order to define its boundaries.

The Demarcation of Malaysia-Indonesia Maritime Boundaries: A Review

This research paper analyses the convention underpinning delimitation of Malaysia-Indonesia maritime boundaries. The study analyses international legal frameworks and customary international law, and their application to maritime boundary disputes. The research reveals that 1982 UNCLOS provides general principles and guidelines for delimitating maritime boundaries but does not offer a definitive solution to the complex disputes between states. The research concludes that delimiting maritime boundaries between Malaysia and Indonesia requires a comprehensive and context-specific approach considering legal, historical, and equitable considerations. The study recommends that Malaysia and Indonesia engage in a constructive and cooperative dialogue based on mutual respect, good faith, and pacifistic settlement of disputes. The study also highlights the significance of supporting the rule of law and obeying international law principles in fostering regional political stability. The normative juridical method of research provides a valuable contribution to understanding the legal principles governing the delimitation of maritime boundaries. It offers practical recommendations for resolving disputes between Malaysia and Indonesia in a manner that upholds international law and promotes regional cooperation.

Dispute Concerning Delimitation of the Maritime Boundary between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire in the Atlantic Ocean

376International tribunals — Special Chamber of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea — United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982 — Constitution of the Special Chamber — Transfer of proceedings from an Annex VII arbitral tribunal to the Special ChamberInternational tribunals — Provisional measures — Preservation of rights of Parties — Protection of marine environment — Protection of confidentiality of information relating to exploration and exploitation of natural resources of continental shelf — Prima facie jurisdiction — Agreement that Special Chamber having prima facie jurisdiction — Plausibility of rights — Côte d’Ivoire’s claimed rights being plausibly based on United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982 — Whether Ghana’s activities in disputed area could cause irreparable prejudice to rights of Côte d’Ivoire — Problems of prescribing suspension of all oil exploration and exploitation — Possibility for compensation of financially assessable damage — Report on compliance with provisional measures — Power of President of Special Chamber to request further information concerning complianceInternational tribunals — Jurisdiction — Special agreement — Admissibility of request for delimitation of continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles — Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf — Forum prorogatum — International responsibility — Whether ITLOS having jurisdiction to decide on international responsibility of a State in accordance with UNCLOSTreaties — Tacit agreement — Oil practice — Maps — Seismic surveys — Drilling activities — National legislation — Representations to international organizations — Bilateral exchanges and negotiations — Standard of proof — Whether Côte d’Ivoire estopped from objecting to customary equidistance boundary claimed by GhanaSea — Maritime boundary delimitation — Single maritime boundary — Territorial sea — Exclusive Economic Zone — Continental shelf — Continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles — United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982 — Article 15 — Articles 74 and 83 — Equidistance/relevant circumstances — Angle bisector — Whether location of base points justified using a methodology other than equidistance/relevant circumstances — Whether coastal 377instability justified using a methodology other than equidistance/relevant circumstances — Whether same methodology applied to delimitation of all maritime zones — Relevant coast — Relevant area — Provisional equidistance line — Appropriate base points — Relevant circumstances — Concavity of coast — Cut-off effect — Location of natural resources — Conduct — Methodology for delimiting the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles — Entitlement to a continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles — Disproportionality testState responsibility — Alleged responsibility for violation of sovereign rights — Alleged responsibility for violation of Article 83(1) of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982 — Whether Ghana’s oil activities violating its obligations under Article 83(3) — Alleged responsibility for violating order on provisional measures of 25 April 2015General principles of international law — Estoppel — Whether part of international law — Conditions — Clear and unequivocal statement — Reliance to detriment — Maritime boundaries — Whether capable of being established by estoppel

중국 지방정부 간 해상경계 설정에 관한 법적 고찰

Since the 1980s, China has witnessed rapid progress in its ocean-based industries, including fisheries and aquaculture, shipping, tourism, and deep-water oil and natural gas. Conversely this progress has continuously caused disputes between local authorities over marine planning and development. This is mainly because there are no boundaries on adjacent sea between local governments, which should be delimited based on law. In anticipation of the large-scaled exploitation of marine resources such as wind energy, oil and natural gas, will be more likely to cause maritime boundary disputes. The Chinese government recognizes the importance of maritime delimitation and introduced “Guidelines for Managing Maritime Boundaries” and a “Policy for Maritime Boundary Delimitation” in April 2002. They clearly stipulate the basic principles, procedures, considerations and dispute settlement system for maritime delimitation. Since June of the same year the Provincial governments began to delimit the maritime boundary. This study introduces background and current status of the delimitation of maritime boundaries between Chinese local administrations. Furthermore, this research evaluates the legal grounds of maritime boundary delimitation in China. At the end, this paper will put forth some implications for the Korean government to establish maritime boundaries for its local governments along with introducing laws on maritime delimitation.

유엔해양법협약상 해양과학조사와 운용해양학 개념의 정합성에 관한 연구

The Convention on the Law of the Sea(UNCLOS) is difficult to amend flexibly, so it does not provide a clear legal basis for newly invented technology, equipment, or activities due to the development of science and technology. The concept of operational oceanography recently discussed is similar to marine scientific research(MSR) in UNCLOS, but it is confusing in interpretation because no clear terms are specified, so the international community's opinions on the concept of operational oceanography and applied law are divided. The purpose of this paper is not to define the legal definition of operational oceanography, but to identify problems that may be considered due to the legal ambiguity of operational oceanography and to predict how they can affect Korea. As a result, operational oceanography is likely to be used in “Lawfare”, the concept of ‘using law as a weapon', and it could affect countries with maritime boundary delimitation issues depending on the results of future international discussions. This situation is not irrelevant to Republic of Korea, and as an addition to this, this study tried to consider basic countermeasures.

Transparency and Predictability in the Maritime Delimitation Process: Reverse-engineering the Somalia-Kenya Adjudicated Boundary

Abstract This article analyses the adjudicated boundary between Somalia and Kenya in the Indian Ocean through an integrated law-and-science approach. Using recent high-resolution satellite imagery and specialised boundary software, it seeks to ‘reverse-engineer’ the 12 October 2021 ruling of the International Court of Justice with a particular focus on issues of transparency and predictability. The article highlights how ambiguities in the identification of basepoints underlying an adjudicated boundary and the reliance on a relatively small-scale nautical chart based on dated surveys that does not reflect the physical reality of the relevant coast could undermine the authority of an adjudicated boundary obtained after years of legal proceedings. Addressing the issue of technical support in decision-making on adjudicated boundaries, the article proposes various means to reduce controversies regarding maritime boundary delimitation and to make the delimitation process more transparent and predictable.

Between defeating “the warlord” and defending “the blue homeland”: a discourse of legitimacy and security in Turkey’s Libya policy

This article seeks to explain Turkey’s critical engagement in the partially internationalised conflict in Libya by relying on a discourse analysis of Turkish political elites. Drawing on thematic discourse analysis, the authors argue that these elites utilise, in the way in which they communicate to the external audience (the international community), a discourse of legitimacy by which they lend political support for the UN-recognised government, and declare the General Khalifa Haftar-led forces, its opponents, as illegitimate. Secondly, Turkish foreign policy elites express their commitment to preserving national security interests in the Mediterranean, thereby justifying Turkish involvement in the conflict via a security-laden discourse addressed to the internal audience (the local constituents). Legal disputes, regarding the delimitation of maritime boundaries has served as the basis for Turkey’s rapprochement with the Government of the National Accord (GNA), led by Fayez al-Sarraj, and its staunch opposition to the Libyan National Army (LNA), commanded by Haftar since the web of intricate relations in the region relevant to such disputes requires the conclusion of bilateral agreements between the governments.

Russia and the United States in the Arctic: from Competition to Confrontation

The rivalry of great powers for hegemony and influence that has unfolded in the modern multipolar world is increasingly evident in the Arctic, a strategically important region of the world and exceptionally rich in natural resources. Тhe attractiveness of the Arctic and the competition of great powers around it are growing due to the objective changes taking place in the Far North in four important areas (technology, economy, climate, and law), contributing to the economic development of the region. The clash of interests, primarily between the United States and Russia, is leading to an increase in military and political tension, turning the once abandoned peripheral region of the Far North into a zone of increased information, as well as political, and, most importantly, military activity of the superpowers. This article analyzes the increased popularity of the Arctic topic in the foreign policy of the United States and Russia, which is associated with climate warming, the accelerated melting of glaciers in the Arctic, the prospect of opening new sea routes, and the growing activity of the Arctic and other states, primarily China, in the region. Against the background of recent international events related to the Arctic, the Arctic direction of the foreign policy of Washington, Moscow, and Beijing is considered. The emphasis is placed on its military‒political component, given that the growing political tension in the Arctic can lead to a new generation of armed conflicts and exacerbate the situation not only in the Northern region but also in the international arena as a whole. The situation is aggravated by the fact that there are no recognized norms of international law in the Arctic regarding the Arctic states’ ownership of concrete vast sectors of the Arctic Ocean and islands in its aquatic area. The delimitation of maritime boundaries and the determination of rights to economic activities here remain the main problem. Political tension is growing.

APPRAISAL ON MARITIME BOUNDARY DELIMITATION BY BANGLADESH AND NORWAY

This study analyses the maritime claims and maritime boundaries of Bangladesh and the Kingdom of Norway (Norway), including mainland Norway, the Svalbard archipelago, and the island of Jan Mayen. The object of this study is to explore the maritime boundary delimitation process followed by Bangladesh and Norway and to find out similarities between both countries in such delimitation. It is qualitative research. In identifying and interpreting data both primary and secondary sources are considered. Primary sources include international treaties, agreements, statutes, case decisions etc. whereas, secondary sources include books, journal articles, and reports of national and international organizations etc. Findings of the study reveal that there is a similarity in the maritime claims of both the countries. Both Bangladesh and Norway claimed straight baselines, 12 nautical mile territorial sea, 24 nautical mile contiguous zone, 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone and extended continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles. They have also completed maritime boundary settlement with all the neighbours.

Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation of Maritime Boundary Delimitation Schemes Based on AHP-Entropy Weight Method

The basic science region of marine management boundary lines among different provinces within the extent at least of the territorial sea is of great means to promote the sustainable growth of China's marine economy. There are 11 provinces along the coastal regions of the Chinese Mainland, and the scientific division of marine management boundaries among different provinces within the extents of the territorial sea is of great importance in promoting the sustainability of China's marine economy. We conducted a case study of maritime boundary demarcation between Jiangsu and Shandong Provinces, and a fuzzy evaluation index system with 14 indices in three subsets was developed to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of maritime boundary delimitation, determine the optimal scheme, and address shortages in the current evaluation indicators and evaluation methods. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the entropy weight method were used to calculate the combined weights of indices. Three maritime border delimitation schemes, namely, the historical boundary delimitation scheme, angle bisector delimitation scheme, and equidistance delimitation scheme, were evaluated using the comprehensive evaluation indices. Results show that the equidistance delimitation scheme is relatively superior to the two other schemes. The evaluation index is 0.504761, and the evaluation grade is “good.” The second best delimitation scheme is the angle bisector. The grade is “moderate,” and the evaluation index is 0.361641. The most ineffective boundary delimitation scheme is the historical one. The grade is “bad,” and the evaluation index is 0.135345. More consideration should be given to people's livelihoods and the safeguarding of national marine rights and interests in the late optimization of maritime boundary delimitation schemes. The fuzzy comprehensive evaluation technique based on AHP-entropy weight can help decision-makers choose the optimum scheme by providing a quantitative top-down sequence of schemes in terms of quality and solving estimate difficulties in maritime boundary delimitation schemes. As a result, it has a wide range of applications.

METHOD AND PRINCIPLE OF MARITIME BOUNDARY DELIMITATION BETWEEN STATES WITH OPPOSITE OR ADJACENT COASTS (CASE OF INDONESIA AND TIMOR-LESTE)

In the practice the maritime boundary delimitations can cause the overlap of claims between states with opposite or adjacent coasts. Regarding the maritime boundary between Indonesia and Timor-Leste, there was never a maritime boundary between both States, so it needs a settlement of disputes of maritime boundary delimitation between both parties. Therefore, these research aims to explain the methods and principles that could be used in resolving maritime boundary delimitation dispute between state with opposite or adjacent coasts based on international law and analyze how obstacles and solution to solve maritime boundary delimitation dispute between Indonesia and Timor-Leste (East Timor). This research uses normative legal research and Empirical Research Methods. The results of the research show that: (1) the maritime boundary delimitation between Indonesia and Timor-Leste uses enclaving, equidistant, and three-step approach method. (2), Indonesia and Timor Leste have the potential to determine maritime boundaries in the three areas, namely the area to the north of the Oecusse (Ombai Strait), to the north of Timor Island (Wetar Strait) and to the south of Timor Island (Timor Sea). Timor-Leste will still get a maritime territory in District Oecusse but the extent would be negotiated with Indonesia first, while in the Wetar Strait, the territorial sea division of the two countries would consider the outer islands of both countries.

Environmental and sociocultural claims within maritime boundary disputes

Coastal livelihoods and marine environmental protection are key ocean governance concerns. Consequently, the international legal framework addresses these needs in a holistic manner. Maritime boundary delimitation should not be the exception. Increasingly, international courts and tribunals are being asked to incorporate a wider range of issues in the resolution of maritime boundary disputes. Therefore, drawing on the full compendium of international marine boundary dispute cases from 1969 to 2021, this paper examines how litigation over maritime boundary disputes reflects broader ocean governance objectives. It concludes that, first, court cases on maritime boundaries are increasing, and second, environmental and sociocultural motives are gaining prominence in the pleas made by nations. Moreover, our analysis suggests that: a) arguments to the courts progressively emphasize holistic and ecosystem-based management and the recognition of traditional ocean-related living practices; and b) although courts and tribunals are called to weigh other types of factors, they are still more receptive to conventional arguments embodied in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). We argue that the newer arguments should have a greater influence during conflict resolution and maritime delimitation processes, in particular, given the greater need for sustainable and equitable ocean governance.

Enforcing Law in Undelimited Maritime Areas: Indonesian Border Experience

Abstract As the largest archipelagic State in the world, Indonesia has a very long coastline and is bordered by ten countries. Irrespective of its geographical condition, a genuine delimitation of its maritime boundaries is crucial for Indonesia. However, maritime boundary delimitation often takes considerable time. One problem that often arises during maritime boundary delimitation negotiations is determining the extent to which coastal States can enforce their national law in areas with undelimited maritime boundaries. This article analyses the national and international regulations, as well as Indonesian practice, of maritime law enforcement in areas with undelimited maritime boundaries and Indonesia‘s current practices in resolving maritime-related issues.

Assessing the need for the designation of the Yellow Sea Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA)

With each passing decade, industrial and economic activities have increased the severe contamination of the Yellow Sea and marine pollution, caused by various pollutants, has reached an alarming level. One of the main sources of contamination are pollutants from the international shipping industry. Due to an increase in maritime trade volume, driven by the rapid economic growth of China and South Korea, the danger of polluting incidents caused by shipping activities such as accidental and operational discharges from ships continues to rise. The semi-enclosed Yellow Sea poses geographical disadvantages. The depth of the Yellow Sea is relatively shallow. The width of the Yellow Sea does not exceed over 400 nm. China, South Korea, and North Korea have a common interest in the Yellow Sea. Pollution incidents involving oil, hazardous and noxious substances (HNS), or other pollutants from ships which occur in the territorial sea of one of the Yellow Sea states may have serious impacts on the maritime zone of another. Due to narrow sea areas of the Yellow Sea, there is ongoing dispute over maritime boundary delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Yellow Sea. Concurrent Chinese and South Korean jurisdictions exist. These disputes are the primary factor hampering regional cooperation when dealing with regulatory instruments in an overlapping EEZ area. This article serves as a starting point for discussion, to make the case for the necessity of a practical regulatory instrument and regional cooperation to prevent vessel-source pollution in the Yellow Sea. In order to overcome the jurisdictional issue in an overlapping EEZ area and effectively address it, this article argues that the designation of a Yellow Sea Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) is required. This study is not only assessing need for PSSA designation, but it is reviewing the geographical and environmental significance of the Yellow Sea.

Canada and the Russian Federation: Maritime Boundaries and Jurisdiction in the Arctic Ocean

The Arctic region has been the focus of considerable attention in recent years, often concerned with maritime claims and an alleged race for the region’s resources. Against this narrative, the article focuses on the practices of Canada and the Russian Federation with respect to their maritime jurisdictional claims and the delimitation of maritime boundaries with their Arctic neighbours. The article provides an overview of the Arctic region and the international law of the sea with an emphasis on the baselines and maritime claims of the Arctic coastal states. Discussion then turns to the maritime boundary agreements that have been concluded in the Arctic region before overlapping claims to areas of continental shelf underlying the central part of the Arctic Ocean are appraised. The article concludes that Canada and the Russian Federation have enjoyed considerable success in resolving overlapping maritime claims and their pragmatic and innovative approaches coupled with existing regional cooperation bode well for finding peaceful solutions to Arctic Ocean governance challenges in the future.