Law of the Sea Treaty

If ratified, I would vote for legislation to implement the Law of the Sea Treaty

Background:  
(The following information is provided by the Campaign for United Nations Reform)

The Law of the Sea Treaty has been in effect since November 16, 1994 and still awaits Senate ratification. It created a comprehensive and much-needed legal framework governing the use of the oceans that comprise over two-thirds of the planet's surface. The treaty clearly spells out that with rights, come responsibilities; fishing, navigation, and mining rights are codified as are standards for protection of the marine environment. The treaty recognizes national sovereignty to 12 miles beyond the coastline while simultaneously requiring that all international straits remain open to international passage. It also grants coastal states full control of fishing and mining rights out to 200 miles.

The Clinton administration successfully concluded negotiations, begun under President Bush, which addressed the objections of industrialized countries. As the world's pre-eminent naval power, the United States has a national interest in establishing universally accepted rules governing air and sea navigation. The international Tribunal on the Law of the Sea and the International Seabed Authority are operating without U.S. participation. With over 12,000 miles of coastline, the United States would benefit from participation in this treaty.

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