The role of the state in the technical and general management of the oceans

The current circumstances surrounding the changing role of the state in ocean affairs are briefly considered, including technological and economic factors. The role of the state at national and local level is then discussed, with particular reference to the types of state involved, be these unitary, federal, centrally planned or developing. The international and supranational dimensions of state activity are considered, including the United Nations agency system and the European Union. Finally, state activity is related to both technical and general management aspects of ocean management.