The New Law of the Sea

Abstract

This article follows the adoption on 30 April 1982 of a UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, after the Third UN Conference on the Law of the Sea. The author describes the Convention as a landmark in the development of international co-operation, and explains the course of its development and the difficulties involved. This Convention establishes the limits of a coastal State's territorial sea and exclusive economic zone, as well as containing other new provisions. A few concerns from States about the Convention are  raised and discussed. The author concludes by stating that although the Convention may be imperfect, it should nonetheless be ratified by the majority of nations to avoid having to revert to the 'law of the jungle'.