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LAW OF THE SEA

Article in Global Jurist · September 2025

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“A Small Country with a Big Heart” – Welcoming the Westerdam

The Law of the Sea represents a comprehensive framework

2025 of international law governing maritime environments and

Phnom Penh
 Global Jurist: #001

Contents
Law of the Sea ................................................................................................................. 2
Historical Evolution ........................................................................................................ 3
Maritime Zones ............................................................................................................... 3
Key Components ............................................................................................................. 4
Implementation and Enforcement ................................................................................... 5
Recent Developments ...................................................................................................... 5
Current Status ................................................................................................................. 5
Distinction from Maritime Law ...................................................................................... 5
References; ...................................................................................................................... 6

Law of the Sea-2025

Abstract
The law of the is a critical component of public al., 2024) (Dixon et al., n.d.). Overall, the law
international law, primarily governed by the of the sea facilitates the sustainable use and
1982 United Nations Convention on the Law conservation of marine resources while
of the Sea (UNCLOS), which came into force ensuring peaceful coexistence and cooperation
in 1994. This legal framework delineates among nations.
various maritime zones, including internal
The Law of the Sea constitutes a cornerstone
waters, territorial seas, archipelagic waters,
of international law, governing the rights and
contiguous zones, continental shelves,
responsibilities of states in maritime domains.
exclusive economic zones (EEZs), high seas,
It establishes frameworks for navigation,
and the International Seabed Area, each with
resource exploitation, environmental
distinct legal characteristics and physical
protection, and dispute resolution. Rooted in
dimensions("The law of the sea",
centuries of customary practices, the modern
2022) (Dixon et al., 2024). The law of the sea
law of the sea is primarily codified in the 1982
is essential for managing the world's oceans,
United Nations Convention on the Law of the
which cover 71% of the Earth's surface, and
Sea (UNCLOS). This regime delineates
addresses issues such as navigation, fishing,
maritime zones such as territorial seas,
offshore mining, marine scientific research,
exclusive economic zones, and the high seas,
and environmental protection(Bateman,
while balancing competing interests of coastal
2017). It also plays a significant role in
and landlocked states. In the twenty-first
resolving maritime disputes and balancing the
century, the Law of the Sea faces pressing
sovereign interests of coastal and landlocked
challenges, including climate change, rising
states("The law of the sea", 2022) (Islam,
sea levels, maritime security threats, and
2022). The modern law of the sea has evolved
contested sovereignty claims in areas like the
to restrict traditional freedoms of the seas in
South China Sea and Arctic. Addressing these
favor of coastal states' interests, although
evolving issues requires robust international
uncertainties remain regarding the definition
cooperation, effective dispute settlement
and enforcement of these rights(Bateman,
mechanisms, and a dynamic interpretation of
2017). The legal framework is supported by a
UNCLOS to ensure the sustainable use and
combination of binding treaties, customary
governance of the world’s oceans.
law, and judicial decisions, reflecting its
importance to the global community(Dixon et
Keywords
Law of the Sea; UNCLOS; Maritime Zones; Territorial Sea; Exclusive Economic Zone
(EEZ); High Seas; Maritime Security; Climate Change; Sovereignty Disputes; South China
Sea; Arctic; International Maritime Law

Law of the Sea-2025

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