The impact of the Law of the Sea Conference on U.S. marine scientific research : report on a questionnaire

Abstract

Because of the Law of the Sea Conference and other factors there recently has been a continuing expansion in the legal, economic, and scientific control over the ocean by coastal countries. This paper presents the results of a questionnaire survey mailed to U.S. marine scientists, soliciting their experiences during the last decade in conducting research in the coastal waters of foreign countries and their expectations for the future. Tables present the countries where research had been conducted, methods of and difficulties in obtaining clearance from foreign governments, the affect of foreign rules on design, planning and execution of research, and areas of interest for future research. Fifty-eight percent of the seventy-two respondents (136 originally sent) had encountered difficulties in obtaining permission to work in foreign coastal waters. Forty-nine percent anticipate that Law of the Sea Treaty requirements may cause such problems for them in the future. The respondents made comments and recommendations bearing on future U.S. marine research in foreign waters. One set of tables presents results for the total group; another set presents results for subgroups of those in particular scientific disciplines.