What laws govern the sea? (Secondary) - Lesson Two

• Social Studies
• History
• +3
• 11th,12th Grade

Introduction

Lesson 2 – What are territorial seas? This lesson covers provisions for territorial waters, including EEZ and managing living resources. Learning activities:  Watch and discuss video – the purpose of EEZ’s, restrictions and illegal activity.  Research and discuss provisions of Article 61.

Instructions

Time: 45 minutes

Contact: [e-mail]
© Sea Shepherd 2022

Lesson 2 - What are territorial seas?

This lesson is provided by Sea Shepherd.  Sea Shepherd was founded in 1977 and is a marine conservation organisation working to protect the oceans and marine wildlife.  Sea Shepherd works globally on a range of issues impacting the oceans, running numerous direct action campaigns each year. 

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Illegal Fishing

Illegal fishing means that the fishermen enter the territorial waters of a country or regulated marine zone without permission or without a license for the fish they intend to catch.

They are stealing from these waters.

TERRITORIAL WATERS

‘The waters under the jurisdiction of a state, especially the part of the sea within a stated distance from the shore (traditionally twelve nautical miles from the low-water mark).’

This lesson we will focus on territorial waters.
Territorial waters are defined as:
‘The waters under the jurisdiction of a state, especially the part of the sea within a stated distance from the shore (traditionally twelve nautical miles from the low-water mark).’

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

Exclusive Economic Zone

There is a second zone that surrounds coastal countries called the Exclusive Economic Zone. It is an area beyond, but adjacent to the territorial sea.
An exclusive economic zone as prescribed by Part V of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, is an area of the sea in which a sovereign state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources, including energy production from water and wind.  It stretches from the baseline out to 200 nautical miles from coast of the state in question.
Where adjacent countries have competing EEZs and cannot agree on an equitable agreement there are provisions set out by the International Court of Justice.  
Ask students if they are aware of any areas where there are disputes over EEZ’s?
There are a number of disputes – South China Sea and between, Argentina and the Falkland Islands.  Students can do a search to find some of these areas and maps of EEZ’s.

What laws are set in
relation to fishing?

Part V of the convention allows countries to set out laws within the EEZ.  
Ask students: “What laws do you think are relevant for fisheries and the management of marine wildlife?”

Illegal Fishing

Illegal fishing means that the fishermen enter the territorial waters of a country or regulated marine zone without permission or without a license for the fish they intend to catch.

They are stealing from these waters.

Article 61 Conservation of the living resources

It requires the state to consider:

• Best scientific evidence.
• Measures to maintain or restore populations of harvested species.
• The effects on associated species.
• Scientific information, catch and fishing data to be exchanged regularly through international and regional organisations.

Article 61 Conservation of the living resources – allows the state to set the allowable catch of living resources.
It requires the state to take into consideration:
    Best scientific evidence available.
    Measures to maintain or restore populations of harvested species.
    The effects on associated species.
    Scientific information, catch and fishing data to be exchanged regularly through international and regional organisations.

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

Marine reserves / protected areas

A state can establish marine protected areas or marine reserves.  In these areas fishing is either completely banned or heavily restricted. These are often areas where fish nurseries are located., like mangroves. Protecting breeding areas helps to secure the future of species, ensuring they can reproduce and grow to healthy populations.

What other laws might a country impose within their territorial waters or EEZ?

Outside of the convention what other regulation might a country impose within their territorial waters and EEZ?
This could include areas such as customs restrictions and quarantine laws.

To understand how EEZ and sanctuaries works in relation to commercial and artisanal fishing we have a video (3.17) from Sea Shepherd’s campaign in Benin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOhqDvRQxFc

www.seashepherdglobal.org

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Refer Teachers Guide for Learning Activities.