The UNCLOS replaces the older and weaker 'freedom of the seas' concept, dating from the 17th century: national rights were limited to a specified belt of water extending from a nation's coastlines, usually three nautical miles, according to the 'cannon shot' rule. This topic provides knowledge of united nations convention on the law of the sea (UNCLOS). | United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Signed: December 10, 1982 Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica Effective: November 16, 1994 1 UNCLOS The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), also called the Law of the Sea Convention or the Law of the Sea treaty, is the international agreement that resulted from the third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III), which took place from 1973 through 1982. 2 UNCLOS The Law of the Sea Convention defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the world's oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources. 3 HISTORY The UNCLOS replaces the older and weaker 'freedom of the seas' concept, dating from the 17th century: national rights were limited to a specified belt of water extending from a nation's coastlines, usually three nautical miles, according to the 'cannon shot' rule. All waters beyond national boundaries . | United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Signed: December 10, 1982 Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica Effective: November 16, 1994 1 UNCLOS The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), also called the Law of the Sea Convention or the Law of the Sea treaty, is the international agreement that resulted from the third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III), which took place from 1973 through 1982. 2 UNCLOS The Law of the Sea Convention defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the world's oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources. 3 HISTORY The UNCLOS replaces the older and weaker 'freedom of the seas' concept, dating from the 17th century: national rights were limited to a specified belt of water extending from a nation's coastlines, usually three nautical miles, according to the 'cannon shot' rule. All waters beyond national boundaries were considered international waters — free to all nations, but belonging to none of them. 4 HISTORY In the early 20th century, some nations expressed their desire to extend national claims to include mineral resources, to protect fish stocks, and to provide the means to enforce pollution controls. 5 HISTORY Using the customary international law principle of a nation's right to protect its natural resources, President Truman in 1945 extended United States control to all the natural resources of its continental shelf. Other nations were quick to follow suit Between 1946 and 1950, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Ecuador extended their rights to a distance of 200 nautical miles to cover their Current fishing grounds. Other nations extended their territorial seas to 12 nautical miles. 6 Initial Steps Mid 1940’s USA, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Ecuador laid claims to territorial waters Soon after Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Libya and Venezuela followed Indonesia asserted claims to the waters
