An Evaluation of Marine Scientific Research Policy within the Exclusive Economic Zone

Since the US did not sign the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, the US marine research policy within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) was initiated by the Reagan Proclamation. The Reagan Proclamation does claim a less restrictive regime than the LOS Convention, but the Proclamation does not encourage other coastal States to adopt a similar approach. The US supports freedom of marine scientific research. Yet the US exerts Jurisdiction over research on the shelf because of the Truman Proclamation. To improve the United States demonstrative position, the US must pass EEZ and shelf legislation in marine scientific research.