What is the International Law of the Sea?

The International Law of the Sea refers to a set of international rules and regulations that govern activities in waters beyond the territorial seas of a country. This includes the engaging in activities such as fishing, marine navigation, oil exploration, and scientific research. These laws are established and enforced by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It was adopted in 1982 and it has been ratified by 168 countries, including the United States and South Carolina. The UNCLOS divides the oceans into four regions: the territorial sea, the contiguous zone, the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and the high seas. The territorial sea is considered a nation’s internal waters and extends 12 nautical miles from the coast. The contiguous zone is adjacent to the territorial sea and extends for another 24 nautical miles from the coastline. The EEZ is an area that extends 200 nautical miles from a nation’s coastline and allows a country to exploit living and nonliving resources within that zone. Finally, the high seas consist of all waters that are beyond the EEZ and includes all oceans, seas, and international straits. The UNCLOS also sets forth rules governing activities that occur in the seas. These include rules regarding commercial fishing, the establishment of navigation routes, and the protection of the environment. Additionally, it establishes regulations for the commercial exploitation of offshore oil and gas reserves, as well as the development of marine scientific research. Finally, it recognizes a nation’s right to protect its marine environment from pollution as well as the authority of coastal states to set their own economic regulations for activities conducted in their territorial sea and EEZ.

What is the International Law of the Sea?

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