At the end of the course the student has:
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a general understanding of the legal and policy framework for governing the oceans;
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a general understanding of the different inputs marine science may have in the formulation and implementation of these policy frameworks;
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the ability to assess the significance of these policy frameworks for specific ocean uses.
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The oceans are essential for maintaining life on earth, their mineral resources are increasingly important to the world economy and marine fisheries significantly contribute to ensuring food security. 90% of all international trade is seaborne and most data communication is through submarine cables. Pursuing an effective governance regime for the oceans continues to be a challenge for the international community.
The course will first of all provide the students with some basic knowledge about public international law. That knowledge is essential for understanding the law of the sea as a part of public international law and the actors that play a role in the formulation and implementation of this legal framework.
The current regime for the oceans is built on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982 (UNCLOS). This framework convention divides the oceans in various coastal state maritime zones and international areas. In all these areas the legal regime seeks to maintain a balance between the rights and interests of individual states and the international community. The course sets out the legal regime applicable to the oceans, how oceans policy to create an effective governance system is taking shape and how disputes over ocean resources may be managed. The course will not only look at the UNCLOS but will also identify and discuss the role of other global and regional conventions and organizations in developing the law and designing effective governance policies.
Science has a role to play in the implementation of the UNCLOS and specific management regimes for ocean uses. The course will illustrate this role of science in oceans law and policy and will also provide an overview of the legal regime applicable to the conduct of marine scientific research.
Academic skills:
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ability to analyze text to determine issues of legal relevance;
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ability to determine the relevant legal framework for scientific research in the marine environment;
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ability to formulate views of this relevant legal framework orally and in written form.
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