Application for Consent on Marine Scientific Research (UN Draft Standard A)

Knowledge about the oceans is still very limited and the development of coastal countries often depends on the potential to exploit their coastal resources. Improving the knowledge and understanding of marine and coastal processes is a prerequisite for protecting the marine environment and ecosystems in a more precautionary way and for supporting sustainable economic opportunities from ocean resources. Results from marine scientific research provide input for policy makers in pursuing developmental options and also benefit society in terms of weather forecasting and prevention of natural disasters.

Part XIII of UNCLOS deals with marine scientific research and it is implemented by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO through its Advisory Body of Experts on the Law of the Sea (IOC/ABE-LOS). Experts from 135 countries work to implement the Convention in this area in order to provide a significant contribution to the development of marine scientific research.