Law of the sea convention Ben

• defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the world's oceans

• UN convention (1973-1982) took so long because it needed a consensus not a majority

• As of now 162 countries have joined

• International- UN

Most significant issues covered

• Basically who can use the seas and for what purpose

• Protects coastal nations right to enforce laws on pollution and exploit the resources of the sea

Zones of the sea

• Internal+territorial waters-coastal state regulates use and economic regulations (about 12 miles out)

• Contiguous zone-(12 miles past territorial) state can enforce laws on customs, immigration, taxation, and pollution

• Exclusive economic zones-coast nation has sole right to resources within 200 miles of the coast