UNCLOS
United Nations Law of the Sea Convention

Comprehensive codification of the law of the sea

Acceded: December 1982
Signed: 1994
Ratified: 20 August 1997

Mr Marius Diemont
(27 21) 402 3182

UNCLOS does not establish any international programmes and essentially it represents a codification of international law rules for states to observe in marine-related operations.

However, it does institutionalise an International Sea Bed Authority to oversee exploration / exploitation of deep seabed mineral and a Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.

Important provisions likely to be addressed by Sea Fisheries will ensure proper conservation of, and management measures for, living resources in the South African Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Where appropriate co-operating with competent international organisations, whether sub regional, regional or global;

Maintaining or restoring fish stocks in the EEZ to levels of maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and to ecologically sustainable levels taking into account generally recommended international minimum standards;

Exchanging scientific information, fish statistics and other data relevant to the conservation of fish stocks through competent international organisations; and promoting the optimum utilisation of living resources in the EEZ.

Much of the implementation of UNCLOS is likely to fall within the line function of Marine and Coastal Management, with the logical lead agency being the department.