Pressures on the United Nations convention on the law of the sea of 1982 arising from new fisheries conflicts: The problem of straddling stocks

Abstract

Abstract A growing number of coastal states believe the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea did not adequately provide for straddling stocks, those stocks in and adjacent to the EEZ. Important conflicts concerning such stocks are described in the Northwest Atlantic, Southwest Atlantic, the East Central and Southeast Pacific, and in the Northeast Pacific (Bering Sea). After considering applicable international law, a proposed approach to resolution of this problem is discussed, drawing on the 1982 Convention, prior treaty provisions, and earlier proposals concerning fisheries. The problem of new entrants and other third parties is mentioned as especially difficult.