This chapter discusses ocean law with regard to the development and application of such laws, including the LOS Convention, and how the U.S. is situated toward such laws. The U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea is given, including jurisdictional zones, environmental standards and duties, and dispute resolution protocol. Beyond general seas and oceans, laws regarding “living marine resources” are considered, including fishery laws for the U.S. and New Zealand and the use of driftnet fishing around the world. Marine pollution from ships is seen as a major issue, especially since claims of wrongdoing are often confused by issues of jurisdiction and identification of rightful recipients of blame. Chapter provides links for the Marpol acts of 1973 and 1978 as well as a number of similar acts aimed at stemming pollution from oil, runoff, and waste disposal. The 1972 London Convention is examined and the chapter concludes with discussion of land-based marine pollution.
