What is the International Law of the Sea?

The International Law of the Sea is a body of international law governing activities in the seas and oceans. It is an agreement among nations that determines the rights and obligations of states in the use of the world’s oceans and seas. This agreement includes such matters as the delimitation of territorial waters and maritime zones, the freedom of commerce on the seas, and the authority of states to protect their marine environment. The International Law of the Sea was born out of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 1982. UNCLOS sets out the legal rights and obligations of states in their use of the world’s oceans and seas, and establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the management of resources and activities that take place in the world’s oceans and seas. UNCLOS provides a comprehensive legal regime for the protection of marine life and the environment. Additionally, UNCLOS governs the exploitation of maritime resources, including the prevention and settlement of disputes over their use. All states have a duty to respect and comply with the provisions of the International Law of the Sea. The United States is a party to UNCLOS and is subject to its provisions. The Law of the Sea Treaty has been ratified by the U.S. Senate and was signed into law in 1983. The Law of the Sea Treaty is the primary source of international rules for the use of the sea, and it provides the basis for cooperation among states to protect, manage, and sustainably use the oceans and their resources.

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What is the International Law of the Sea?

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