An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century - California Ocean ...

Table 29.1 U.S. Participation in International Ocean AgreementsAn examination of ocean-related international treaties and agreements reveals the wide range of international ocean policyissues, including fisheries management, species protection, vessel safety, and coral reef preservation. (Note: some of the listedagreements are not formal treaties or conventions, and thus, ratification is not applicable.)Agreement NameDescriptionDate ofAgreementUnited Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and Related AgreementsUnited NationsConvention on theLaw of the Sea(LOS)LOS is a comprehensive regime of law and orderfor the world’s oceans and seas. LOS is comprisedof 320 articles and 9 annexes and governs allaspects of ocean space, such as delimitation, pollutioncontrol, scientific research, resource management,technology transfer, and dispute settlement.DateEnteredInto ForceHas theU.S.Signed?Has theU.S.Ratified?12/10/82 11/16/94 No NoAgreement on PartXI of the LOSConvention(Deep SeabedMining Agreement)Fisheries-related AgreementsAgreement for theImplementation ofthe LOS Relating tothe Conservation andManagement ofStraddling Fish Stocksand Highly MigratoryFish Stocks (FSA)This agreement amends the LOS regime governingthe deep seabed, reflecting a shift to morefree-market oriented policies. It modifies decisionmaking to reflect political and economic interestsand financial contributions of states, while retainingthe principle that the seabed is the “commonheritage of mankind.”The FSA sets out principles for the conservationand management of straddling stocks and highlymigratory fish on the high seas and places newregulatory authority in the hands of regionalfishery bodies.07/28/94 07/28/96 Yes No08/04/95 12/11/01 Yes YesAgreement to PromoteCompliance withInternationalConservation andManagement Measuresby Fishing Vessels onthe High SeasInternationalConvention for theConservation ofAtlantic Tunas (ICCAT)Marine EnvironmentConvention on thePrevention of MarinePollution by Dumpingof Wastes and OtherMatter(London Convention)Protocol to theLondon ConventionThe Compliance Agreement promotes complianceby fishing vessels on the high seas with internationalconservation and management measures. Itrequires a party to make all efforts to ensure thatvessels flying its flag do not engage in any activitythat undermines the conservation or managementof biological resources.ICCAT is a fishery treaty for the conservation oftunas and tuna-like species in the Atlantic Oceanand its adjacent seas.The London Convention regulates the disposal ofwaste materials into the sea. It establishes “blackandgray-lists” for wastes that can be consideredfor disposal at sea according to the hazard theypresent to the environment.The Protocol is more restrictive than theConvention and in principal part creates a“reverse list,” which implies that all dumping isprohibited unless explicitly permitted.11/24/93 04/24/03 Yes Yes05/14/66 03/21/69 Yes Yes12/29/72 08/30/75 Yes Yes11/08/96 Not in Yes Noforce446 A N O CEAN B LUEPRINT FOR THE 21ST C ENTURY