Unit Ocean Laws参考.docVIP

Unit 8 Ocean Laws Text A United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Part I Understanding and Learning Background Information 1. A Historical Perspective on the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea The oceans had long been subject to the freedom of-the-seas doctrine - a principle put forth in the seventeenth century essentially limiting national rights and jurisdiction over the oceans to a narrow belt of sea surrounding a nations coastline. The remainder of the seas was proclaimed to be free to all and belonging to none. While this situation prevailed into