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Ocean Governance
 The ocean is often described as "the last wilderness" or "a vast commons." It is neither. Civilization has left its mark for centuries in the itineraries of ships, the migration of peoples, the records of trade and exploration, and the interactions of nations. Sea power has served as a major force in the shaping of culture, and competition for the natural resources of the ocean has affected the livelihood of an historic succession of settlement and empire. Today, the challenge of governance faces the ocean with all the complexity and contradiction faced on land. The community of nations has evolved a Law of the Sea, a treaty and legal work-in-progress that begins to address the conflict of proprietary interests in the ocean, the sustainability of valuable food supply and mineral wealth, and the future exploitation of an environment about which we know not enough. Various agreements and admistrative tools have evolved to mitigate conflict, protect national interests, and maintain the natural and cultural values inherent in the global ocean.
This site contains links to the full text of the United Nations Covention on the Law of the Sea in 6 languages. A vast array of information is available pertaining to organizations and documents related to ocean governance.
A growing number of regional collaborations are forming among federal, state, and local agencies across the country to address management issues that cut across existing political and jurisdictional boundaries. The Legislative Atlas supports regional ocean and coastal management efforts by mapping key state and federal laws and jurisdictions.
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