• The united nations convention on the law of the sea has several names for this agreement. They include Law of the Sea, or LOS. • Over 160 nations participate and the

conference lasted until 1982.

• In the 17th Century, limited national rights and jurisdiction over certain waters, the rest of the sea being free to all and belonging to none • Technological

development occurred in the mid- 19th and early- 20th century. • Ships become more

powerful, but technology allowed humanity to exploit ocean resources.

• To protect local resources the nations began expanding their claims of sovereignty beyond the traditional 3 mile limit.

• The convention addressed several provisions and significant issues including- setting limits, navigation; exclusive economic zones (EEZ); continental shelf jurisdiction; deep seabed mining; the exploitation regime; protection of the marine environment; scientific research; and settlement of disputes. • Although there are still

many issues unsettled UNCLOS 1 saw a significant development in the international legal regime governing the oceans.

• With the 160 nations participation the deliberations lasted for nine years, and concluded in 1982 with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, commonly referred to as “UNCLOS” or the Law of the Sea Treaty • UNCLOS had to prevent

reservations or risk maintaining a fractured regime, in order to establish a unified law of the sea doctrine.

• There are a number of references to environmental duties and obligation within the treaty, although UNCLOS is not an environmental treaty, it frequently addressed environmental concerns. It has an entire section dedicated to the protection and preservation of the marine environment.

• Excluding the United States there are presently there are 160 nations that have ratified UNCLOS.

• There have been a few criticisms towards UNCLOS although it is generally hailed as a monumental achievement in the arena of international law. One of the most often heard criticisms is the treaty’s reliance upon national legislation to implement its provisions.

• Daniel J. Daniel J. HollisHollis;;TatjanaTatjana RosenRosen;"United Nations Convention on Law ;"United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982". In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982". In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth June 22, 2010; Last revised published in the Encyclopedia of Earth June 22, 2010; Last revised Date September 10, 2010;<Date September 10, 2010;<http://www.eoearth.org/article/United_Nations_Convention_on_Law_of_the_Sea_(UNCLOS),_1982http://www.eoearth.org/article/United_Nations_Convention_on_Law_of_the_Sea_(UNCLOS),_1982>>

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