What is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea?

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is an international agreement that establishes a comprehensive legal framework for activities and policies related to the ocean. It sets out the rights and duties of nations in their use of the oceans, including the exploitation of both living and non-living resources. The UNCLOS also provides a structure for governing the global commons and protecting marine environments from harm. UNCLOS was adopted by the United Nations in 1982, and entered into force in 1994. It is important to note that it has not been ratified by the United States, though Washington has indicated it intends to do so. The Convention is an extensive document, spanning more than 320 articles and multiple annexes. It provides guidelines on marine navigation, fishing and environmental protection, delimitation of maritime boundaries, and activities in the deep sea-beds beyond national jurisdiction. Maritime law in Washington is primarily based on UNCLOS, though due to the lack of U.S. ratification, there are some differences in how it is applied. In particular, Washington state law does not recognize the rights of navigation and overflight as articulated in the UNCLOS. However, Washington is still generally bound by the terms of UNCLOS, even if it has not ratified the Convention.

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What is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea?

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