The Arctic Frontiers 2018 conference, entitled, Connecting the Arctic, will be held 21-26 January 2018, in Tromsø (Norway). A number of presentations will touch upon legal and policy matters.
For more information, see here.
The Arctic Frontiers 2018 conference, entitled, Connecting the Arctic, will be held 21-26 January 2018, in Tromsø (Norway). A number of presentations will touch upon legal and policy matters.
For more information, see here.
Filed under Events
The World Bank approved a package of over $20 million for the Republic of the Seychelles to improve the conservation of its marine resources and expand seafood value chains. The package consists of a loan of $5 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and a grant of $5.29 million from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). In addition, a guarantee of EUR5 million from the IBRD and a credit of $5 million from the GEF’s Non-Grant Instrument Pilot will enable the future issuance of the world’s first Blue Bond by Seychelles. The Blue Bond is expected to mobilize public and private investments to finance the country’s transition to sustainable fisheries. More information on this package is available here.
Filed under International Organizations, State Practice
Today is World Maritime Day! The theme selected for this year is “Connecting Ships, Ports and People”. The aim is to build on the World Maritime Day theme for 2016, “Shipping: indispensable to the world”. More information on the events taking place at the IMO in London is available here. Information about the parallel event, to be held in Panama on 1-3 October 2017, is available here.
Filed under International Organizations
The Special Chamber of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, constituted to deal with the Dispute concerning delimitation of the maritime boundary between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire in the Atlantic Ocean (Ghana/Côte d’Ivoire), delivered its Judgment. Among other points, it unanimously rejected Ghana’s claim that Côte d’Ivoire is estopped from objecting to the “customary equidistance boundary” and it found that Ghana did not violate the sovereign rights of Côte d’Ivoire. The Award may found here. A reaction by Tullow Oil plc, who explores the Tweneboa Enyenra Ntomme (TEN) oil fields on Ghana’s side of the delimitation line, may be found here.

The single maritime boundary, taken from the Judgment (p. 150).
Filed under Jurisprudence, Non-State Actors
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (USA) and UN Environment have announced the Sixth International Marine Debris Conference, to be held 12-16 March 2018, in San Diego (California, USA). Authors may submit an abstract or poster idea until 11 October 2017.
For more information, see here.
Filed under Calls
The International Transport Workers’ Federation has produced a toolkit for its seafarer unions to help them lobby governments to implement international guidelines to prevent the unfair treatment of seafarers following accidents and pollution at sea. The toolkit highlights cases where seafarers have been scapegoated for accidents and pollution which have arisen as a result of circumstances beyond their control. The toolkit is available here.
Filed under Non-State Actors
The University of Strathclyde Law School shall host the 16th Annual Colloquium of the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law, entitled, The Transformation of Environmental Law and Governance: Innovation, Risk and Resilience, 4-6 July 2018, at the University of Strathclyde (Glasgow, UK). Additional events will be scheduled for the 2-3 July 2018. Abstracts may be submitted until 1 February 2018.
For more information see the call for abstracts page here.
Filed under Calls
The Transnational Legal Theory Journal shall host its inaugural annual symposium, entitled, Transnational Food Security, on 20 January 2018, at the Transnational Law Institute (King’s College London, UK). Abstracts must be submitted by 22 September 2017, with the proposed topics leaving plenty of space for oceans literature.
For more information see here.
Filed under Calls
The President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, announced, on the 7 September 2017, the designation of 700,000 square kilometers of marine protected areas (MPA) in Easter Island, following the first indigenous consultation on MPAs.
For more information see the press release here. A global overview of MPAs can be found on protectedplanet, here.
Filed under State Practice
On August 11, 2017, Transport Canada took action to protect whales by implementing a temporary mandatory slow down of vessels 20 metres or more to a maximum of 10 knots. The speed restriction applies to vessels travelling in the western Gulf of St. Lawrence, between the Quebec north shore and just north of Prince Edward Island. The marine notice may be found here. In one case, Transport Canada has taken action by issuing a $6,000 penalty to the Seven Seas Navigator and to the Petalon for an alleged non-compliance with the temporary mandatory slow down. Information on these cases may be found here and here.

Filed under State Practice
The United Kingdom’s Department of Transport has launched a cyber security code of practice for ships. This initiative provides information on implementing and maintaining good cyber security practices on maritime vessels. It links to a past initiative, the cyber security for ports and port systems code of practice, launched on August 2016. The guidance will be complementing the work being done by the IMO to raise awareness of cyber threats and vulnerabilities. More information on these initiatives is available here.
Filed under State Practice
The Centre de Droit Maritime et Océanique (CDMO) of the University of Nantes is organizing a conference with an aim to analyse the European dimension of action at sea, the challenges for sovereignty and the protection of resources, namely discussing the obligations and practices of European maritime agencies. The event occurs on 26 October 2017 in Nantes, France. More information is available here.
Filed under Events
The World Ocean Council will host the Sustainable Ocean Summit 2017, with the theme, The Ocean Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 14): Business Leadership and Business Opportunities, 29 November – 1 December 2017, in Halifax (Canada).
For more information see the website here, and programme here.
Filed under Events
At the 2nd Indian Ocean Conference, 31 July – 1 August 2017, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and the Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recalled their position that a code of conduct upon the freedom of navigation and overflight was necessary for the Indian Ocean. The Prime Minister noted “Sri Lanka will soon commence exploratory discussions on convening a meeting to deliberate on a stable legal order on freedom of navigation and over flight in the Indian Ocean”.
For more information see the ministry of foreign affairs statement, and prime minster’s speech (unofficial transcript). Further insight may be provided by a previous speech on the matter at Deakin University.
Filed under State Practice
The Centre for International Law at the National University of Singapore is hosting a seminar on the 2017 Council on Foreign Relations’ report “Arctic Imperatives: Reinforcing U.S. Strategy on America’s Fourth Coast“. The event will take place in Singapore, on 20 September 2017. More information is available here.
Filed under Events
The conciliation proceedings between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, pursuant to article 298 and Annex V of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, has reached “agreement on the central elements of a maritime boundary delimitation between them in the Timor Sea”, on the 30 August 2017.
For more information see Press Release No. 9, and, generally, PCA Case No. 2016-10. Previous reporting may be found here.
Filed under Jurisprudence
The 4th International Marine Protected Areas Congress, IMPAC4, will be held 4-8 September 2017, in La Serena – Coquimbo (Chile).
For more information and to watch online, see the programme here.
Filed under Events
The Max Planck Institute Luxembourg for Procedural Law shall host a lecture by Prof. Alexander Proelß (University of Trier) to launch the book, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea: A Commentary, 12 September 2017. Prof. Alina Miron will act as interviewer.
For more information see the announcement here, and poster here.
Filed under Events
Ukraine sent a note of protest to the Russian Federation, 11 August 2017, in connection with the introduction by the Russian Federation of a ban on navigation through the Kerch Strait during August and September 2017, related to the construction of a bridge across the Kerch Strait. Ukraine objects to both the ban and construction.
For further information, see here. Also note the pending Dispute Concerning Coastal State Rights in the Black Sea, Sea of Azov, and Kerch Strait (Ukraine v. the Russian Federation), PCA Case No. 2017-06, previously reported here.
Filed under State Practice
On 13 August 2017 the Chinese Flagged Fu Yuan Yu Leng 999 was boarded by Ecuadorian authorities within the Galapagos Marine Reserve, carrying a reported 300 tons of marine fauna, including hammerhead sharks. On the 27 August 2017 judgement was delivered, sentencing the crew to 1-4 years in prison, a 5.9 million dollar fine, and the confiscation of the vessel for violation of Article 247 of the Código Orgánico Integral Penal.
For more information see the Ministry of the Environment press release on boarding (here) and sentencing (here).

Fu Yuan Yu Leng 999: Dirección de Comunicación, Ministerio del Ambiente
Filed under State Practice
The International Seabed Authority annual session was held, 31 July-4 August 2017 for the Legal & Technical Commission and 7-18 August 2017 for the 23rd Session, at ISA headquarters (Kingston, Jamaica).
Draft Regulations on Exploitation of Mineral Resources in the Area (8 August 2017) discussed are available here. For documentation from the 23rd Session see here, and the IISD summary report here.
Filed under International Organizations
Having failed to follow an order to leave the Songa Enabler safety zone, issued by the Troms Police District, 17 August 2017, the Greenpeace vessel, the Arctic Sunrise, has been boarded and towed away by the Norwegian Coast Guard.
Filed under State Practice
The Warwick Law School and Social Theory Centre shall host a Critical Legal Conference, entitled, Catastrophe, 1-3 September 2017, at the University of Warwick (Coventry, UK). Whilst of broad scope, reflection may be of interest to law of the sea scholars, e.g. Environmental Law, panel 3.
Filed under Events
The Strathclyde Centre for Environmental Law and Governance shall host a symposium, entitled, Global Environmental Law, 4-5 September 2017, at the University of Strathclyde (Glasgow, UK).
For more information and registration (before 18 August 2017), see here.
Filed under Events
The Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association announced an agreement on the final boundary for a future national marine conservation area (NMCA) in Tallurutiup Imanga / Lancaster Sound. A section of this area twice the size of Nova Scotia will be protected, making it the largest marine conservation area in Canada. This conservation area will protect Inuit harvesting rights guaranteed under the Nunavut agreement and ensure the protection of species at risk. More information may be found here.

Filed under State Practice
The joint statement, issued at the conclusion of the Australia-Japan-United States Trilateral Strategic Dialogue Ministerial, 6 August 2017, touched upon the maritime disputes in the South China Sea. Calling upon all claimants to clarify their claims in compliance with UNCLOS and to respect the Philippines-China Arbitration Award, the statement also called for the proposed ASEAN Code of Conduct for the South China Sea to be legally binding.
For more information see the Joint Statement here. For the ASEAN and China consensus on a framework for the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea (without reference to its legal status) see the Joint Communiqué of the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting here.
Filed under State Practice
FishCRIME 2017 is the third in the series of international fisheries crime symposiums initiated in 2015. FishCRIME 2017 draws together high-level participants and international experts to highlight and advance commitment to tackling the transnational and inter-continental nature of fisheries crime. This year’s edition will take place in Vienna, Austria, on 25-26 September 2017. More information available here.
Filed under Events
The World Maritime University is hosting a conference on Oceans and Climate Change Governance. Topics to be discussed include the IPCC’s ongoing preparation of a special report on oceans, climate change, and the cryosphere, the ongoing work of the International Law Association’s committee on sea level rise the global discussion of implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 and the work of the UN Ad Hoc Committee on Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. The event is set to happen in Malmö, Sweden, on 14-15 August 2017. More information available here.
Filed under Events
The Edinburgh Europa Research Group shall host a symposium, entitled, External Challenges for the Common Fisheries Policy, on 11 May 2018, at the University of Edinburgh (Edinburgh, UK). Abstracts must be submitted by 30 November 2017.
For more information, see here.
Filed under Calls
States have agreed to recommend to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) elements to be considered in the development of a new treaty on marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). A Preparatory Committee was tasked with advising the UNGA on the elements of a draft text of an international legally binding instrument under the UNCLOS. It recommended that the UNGA take a decision, as soon as possible, on the convening of an intergovernmental conference to consider the recommendations on the elements and elaborate the text of a treaty. The UNGA is to decide at its next session on the convening and starting date of an intergovernmental conference to elaborate on a treaty. More information is available here.
Filed under International Organizations, State Practice
Filed under Events
Filed under Jurisprudence
The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has agreed, during its 71st session, to an implementation schedule for ships to comply with the IMO Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention, set to enter into force on 8 September 2017. More information about this agreement may be found here.
Filed under International Organizations, Treaties
In the arbitration concerning a territorial and maritime dispute between the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Slovenia, the Tribunal issued a unanimous Final Award on 29 June 2017.
For more information see the Final Award, press release and case page. Croatia has responded it is not bound by the Final Award and shall not implement it, here. Slovenia’s responses may be found here.

Filed under Jurisprudence
The UK Environment Secretary, Michael Gove, has announced the UK shall notify the other Member States of its withdrawal from the London Fisheries Convention on 3 July 2017, triggering a two-year withdrawal period.
For more information see the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs press release and the London Fisheries Convention.
Filed under Treaties
As part of the 2017-18 International Order & Justice Lecture Series at Ghent University, Professor Erik Francxk will give a lecture, entitled, The UN Convention for the Law of the Sea and the scramble for the Arctic, 31 October 2017 (Ghent, Belgium). Prior online registration is required. Afterwards, Professor Franckx will take part in a closed seminar with doctoral students. Separate online registration is required.
For more information, see here.
Filed under Events
The Netherlands Institute for the Law of the Sea (NILOS) has announced the first edition of the International Law of the Sea (ILOS) Moot Court Competition, which is scheduled to take place in Utrecht in May 2019. Interested universities will be requested to register by 1 November 2018. Depending on the number of participating teams, the organisers may request the organisation of regional or national rounds.
Filed under Competitions
Significant amendments adopted in 2007 to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention (NAFO), Convention on Cooperation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries, entered into force on the 18 May 2017. In practice, many of the obligations have already been provisionally applied.
For more information, see the press release and Convention (ed. 18 May 2017).
Filed under International Organizations
On the 23 June 2017, the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) has issued Recommendation No. 17, entitled, Submarine Cable Operations in Deep Seabed Mining Concessions Designated by the International Seabed Authority. ICPC Recommendation No. 17 provides procedures for due diligence in the laying and repair of submarine cables in concessions designated by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for the exploration and/or exploitation of mineral resources in the “Area”.
For more information see the press release and requests for the recommendation can be made here.
Filed under Non-State Actors
The Institute of International Shipping and Trade Law at Swansea University is organizing a Symposium entitled Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing- Regulatory and Insurance Aspects Symposium. The event is set to take place on Monday June 26th 2017 in London, the UK. The goal is to raise awareness on the issue of IUU fishing among stakeholders within the London insurance market. Registration and other details can be found here.
Filed under Events
The Institute of International Shipping and Trade Law (Swansea University Law School) shall host a conference, entitled, Maritime Liabilities in a Regional and Global Context: The EU and Beyond, 4-5 September 2017, at Swansea University (Swansea, UK).
For further information (in Welsh and English) see the registration page here, and announcement here.
Filed under Events
The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition shall host a conference, entitled, Antarctica Today and Tomorrow, 29 June 2017, at the Oceanographic Institute (Paris, France).
For more information and registration, see here.
Filed under Events
NGIZ Club Clingendael shall host a conference, entitled, Tensions in the South Chinese Sea and shifting foreign policy interests: What is the future outlook for South East Asia?, 28 June 2017, at the Clingendael Institute (The Hague, Netherlands).
For more information and registration see here.
Filed under Events
The ESIL Interest Group on Law of the Sea shall hold a workshop, entitled, Global Commons and Values in Oceans: What should be the role of the New Implementing Agreement under UNCLOS?, on 6 September 2017, in Naples, Italy. This is a pre-conference workshop on the occasion of the 13th ESIL Annual Conference. The deadline for the submission of abstracts is 15 June 2017.
For more information, see the call for papers. For general information on the ESIL annual conference see here.
The Hague Institute for Global Justice, in co-operation with the African Association of International Law (AAIL) and the African Foundation for International Law (AFIL), shall host a lecture, entitled, International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) and Africa, 2 June 2017, at The Hague Institute For Global Justice (Hague, Netherlands).
For more information and registration, see here.
Filed under Events
The Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science will host a four day workshop on developments of International Law in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. This event results from a collaboration with the Scientific Committee on Ocean Research and the University of Tasmania and will take place on 10-14 June 2017 in Tehran, Iran. Details about the contents of the workshop can be found in this poster.
Filed under Events
On the 12 May 2017, the arbitration tribunal in respect of, Dispute Concerning Coastal State Rights in the Black Sea, Sea of Azov, and Kerch Strait (Ukraine v. the Russian Federation), PCA Case No. 2017-06, held its first procedural meeting. On the 18 May 2017 the Rules of Procedure were adopted.
For more information see the press release and Rules of Procedure. The Case View may be found here.
Filed under Jurisprudence
World Oceans Day is celebrated 8 June 2017, under the coordination of The Ocean Project. This year’s theme is, Our Oceans, Our Future, and events around the world will occur in the week surrounding the 8 June 2017.
For more information, see the host of events listed here.

Filed under Non-State Actors
The Institut de recherche juridique de la Sorbonne will host a presentation entitled Winning Legal protection for ancient and historical shipwrecks: the battle to protect the 1565 Royal Navy Fleet of Jean Ribault in Florida and its precedents in international law. The event is set to occur in Paris, France, on 26 May 2017. For more information check this poster and this website.
Filed under Events
The 7th symposium “Human Rights and Science” will be held on 28-29 September 2017 in Helsinki, Finland, and it will discuss the human rights dimension in the Arctic studies. The focal themes revolve around the rights of the indigenous peoples, preconditions of scientific research in the Arctic, and the human rights perspectives in research and utilization of natural resources. The event is open to public but registration is necessary. More information is available here.
Filed under Events