Covering over seventy per cent of the earth’s surface the world’s oceans are a distinguishing feature of the planet. From a human use perspective, ocean areas are significant, providing food, energy, minerals, and a transportation highway that makes possible an integrated world economy. Accordingly, it is not surprising that considerable attention has been given to the international law of the sea since that body of law provides the legal framework for the management of the human utilization of ocean space and its resources.

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