Oceans and the law of the sea A/RES/72/73 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, Recognizing the duty of States under article 303, paragraph 1, of the Convention to protect objects of an archaeological and historical nature f ound at sea and to cooperate for this purpose, Expressing concern, in this regard, at various threats posed to such objects, including their destruction as well as the illicit trafficking in such objects, Recognizing that illicit trafficking in wildlife is, in some cases, committed by transnational organized criminal groups using maritime routes, contributes to damage to ecosystems and livelihoods and requires enhanced regional and global cooperation and coordination in response, in accordance with international law, 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 i n 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 o n 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 intentional and accidental damage from shipping and other activities an d that the maintenance, including the repair, of these cables is important, noting that these matters have been brought to the attention of States at various workshops and seminars, and conscious of the need for States to adopt national laws and regulation s to protect submarine cables and render their wilful damage or damage by culpable negligence punishable offences, Noting the importance of the delineation of the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles and that it is in the broad er interest of the international community that coastal States with a continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles submit information on the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental S helf (the Commission), and welcoming the submissions to the Commission by a considerable number of States Parties to the Convention on the outer limits of their continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles, that the Commission has continued to fulfil its role, including of making recommendations to coastal States, and that the summaries of recommendations are being made publicly available, 15 __________________ 15 17-21819 Available from the web page of the Commission maintained by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea. 5/55