High seas governance must take account of existing IMO framework


The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has been representing shipowners at a UN Preparatory Committee which is developing a new legal instrument, under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which will apply to “high seas” areas beyond national jurisdiction. The principal aim is to address the vacuum that exists with respect to issues such as preserving global fish stocks from unregulated fishing, and damage to marine ecosystems from ocean acidification and plastics caused by land-based agriculture and industry. ICS said developing new measures applicable to the high seas is undoubtedly a very important and legitimate exercise, but that it wishes to ensure the interests of shipping will not be unwittingly damaged.