What is the Law of the Sea?
The Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), also known as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, is an international agreement that sets out the legal framework for how activities such as fishing, navigation, and the exploitation of resources in the oceans and other bodies of water are managed. UNCLOS was developed at the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III) held from 1973-1982 and entered into force in 1994. The Law of the Sea is composed of several different parts. Article 2 defines marine resources and national jurisdiction over these resources, including various rights and duties that nations have when it comes to managing activities in their territorial waters. Article 76 and other sections of UNCLOS lay out rules for the exploration and exploitation of resources in the deep seabed. And finally, Articles 87-90 provide rules for navigation, protection of the environment, and dispute settlement. The Law of the Sea applies to all states, including North Carolina. North Carolina is affected by UNCLOS as the state has the right to fish in waters within 200 nautical miles of its coast and can extend this right in certain cases. Additionally, North Carolina must abide by navigation rules and environmental protections set out in the Convention. Lastly, North Carolina can use UNCLOS to settle disputes with other states or international entities related to these resources.
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