The impact of the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea on marine scientific research

An analysis is made of the impact of the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea upon marine scientific research. The Convention, which entered into force on November 16, 1994 after obtaining the requisite number of ratifications by member states, applies to activities normally associated with expanding knowledge of the oceans. Various articles of the Convention concern coastal states´ rights as to jurisdiction over marine scientific research conducted within their territorial seas. The Convention further designates coastal states´ sovereignty in regulating and authorizing research within the Exclusive Economic Zone and on the continental shelf: A unique “consent regime” is established with certain standards and specifications. Additionally, the Convention provides for compensation, liability, and dispute settlement mechanisms as related to marine scientific research