A/RES/70/235
Oceans and the law of the sea
Reiterating its deep concern at the vulnerability of the environment and the
fragile ecosystems of the polar regions, including the Arctic Ocean and the Arctic
ice cap, particularly affected by the projected adverse effects of climate change and
ocean acidification,
Recognizing the need for a more integrated and ecosystem-based approach to,
further study of and the promotion of measures for enhanced cooperation,
coordination and collaboration relating to the conservation and sustainable use of
marine biodiversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction,
Recognizing also that the realization of the benefits of the Convention could be
enhanced by international cooperation, technical assistance and advanced scientific
knowledge, as well as by funding and capacity-building,
Recognizing further that hydrographic surveys and nautical charting are
critical to the safety of navigation and life at sea, environmental protection,
including the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems, and the economics of the
global shipping industry, and encouraging further efforts towards elect ronic
charting, which not only provides significantly increased benefits for safe
navigation and management of ship movement, but also provides data and
information that can be used for sustainable fisheries activities and other sectoral
uses of the marine environment, the delimitation of maritime boundaries and
environmental protection, and noting that under the International Convention for the
Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, 12 ships on international voyages are required to carry an
electronic chart display and information system, in accordance with the
implementation schedule as set out in that Convention,
Recognizing that ocean data buoys deployed and operated in accordance with
international law are critical for improving understanding of weather, climate and
ecosystems, and that certain types of ocean data buoys contribute to saving lives by
detecting tsunamis, and reiterating its serious concern at intentional and
unintentional damage to such buoys,
Emphasizing that underwater archaeological, cultural and historical heritage,
including shipwrecks and watercraft, holds essential information on the history of
humankind and that such heritage is a resource that needs to be protected and
preserved,
Noting with concern the continuing problem of transnational organized crime
committed at sea, including illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic
substances, the smuggling of migrants, trafficking in persons and illicit trafficking
in firearms, and threats to maritime safety and security, including piracy, armed
robbery at sea, smuggling and terrorist acts against shipping, offshore installations
and other maritime interests, and noting the deplorable loss of life and adverse
impact on international trade, energy security and the global economy resulting
from such activities,
Reiterating the importance of the fair treatment of crew members and its
influence on maritime safety,
Recognizing that fibre-optic submarine cables transmit most of the world’s
data and communications and hence are vitally important to the global economy and
the national security of all States, conscious that these cables are susceptible to
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United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1184, No. 18961.