Praise for the previous edition:
"A complete overview of the subject which does not intimidate the reader but rather spurns interest and understanding in the subject."
European Energy and Environmental Law Review
"...(the book is) scholarly yet accessible and very readable; thoroughly recommended."
Law Institute Journal
Description
The law of the sea provides for the regulation, management and governance of the ocean spaces that cover over two-thirds of the Earth's surface. This book provides a comprehensive assessment of the foundational principles of the law of the sea, a critical overview of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and an analysis of subsequent developments including many bilateral, regional, and global agreements that supplement the Convention.
The third edition of this acclaimed text has been thoroughly revised and updated, and now incorporates a dedicated chapter on natural and artificial islands. All of the main areas of the law of the sea are addressed including the foundations and sources of the law, the nature and extent of the maritime zones, the delimitation of overlapping maritime boundaries, the place of archipelagic and other special states in the law of the sea, navigational rights and freedoms, military activities at sea, marine scientific research, and marine resource and conservation issues such as fisheries, marine environmental protection and dispute settlement.
The book also takes stock of contemporary oceans governance issues not adequately addressed by the Convention. Overarching challenges facing the law of the sea are considered, including how new maritime security initiatives can be reconciled with traditional navigational rights and freedoms, the need for stronger legal and policy responses to protect the global ocean environment from climate change and ocean acidification, and work on a new agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
About the Authors
Donald R Rothwell is Professor of International Law at the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
Tim Stephens is Professor of International Law at the University of Sydney, Australia.
Industry Reviews
This is a very useful book for students and practitioners of the law of the sea. This edition now reflects a number of developments (including in the jurisprudence) which have occurred in the last few years since the previous edition was published. Yet the book retains its essence of providing a clear presentation of the law, which has long made this title a success. It is highly recommended. -- Reece Lewis * Cardiff University *
Having relied on the excellent second edition for many years, this third edition builds on very strong foundations to address contemporary practices and challenges in the law of the sea. As the wheels of evolution on the law of the sea quicken with increased state attention and compounding challenges this book is an invaluable resource for keeping up with a Bird's eye overview of the regime. -- Arron Honniball * Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law *
