MASC 648 LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR AQUATIC RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

Although a shared resource, the marine environment is regarded as an extension of continental landmass and therefore has portions owned by respective coastal nations. This has led to political demarcations, thus requiring the formulation of a legal framework for peaceful exploration and exploitation of the resources of the marine environment. This course will introduce students to the legal framework established and adopted for managing and regulating movement of vessels, and, the exploration and exploitation of aquatic resources. Areas to be covered include The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its relevance to management of marine and coastal resources and scientific research; Evolution of international regimes affecting coastal zones (United Nations Conference on Environment (UNCED); Key outputs and concepts of UNCED; Ocean and coastal issues of UNCED; and Regional Seas Programme).