It might be suggested that bio-logging constitutes “exploring” li

It might be suggested that bio-logging constitutes “exploring” living resources in the EEZ because information obtained may indicate areas of species migration or reproduction, or suggest areas especially rich for exploitation. In this regard, data from bio-logging is likely to be important for conservation and management of marine species, further implicating the sovereign rights of the coastal state. selleck chemical On the other hand, the data collected is serendipitous – scientists have

little or no ability to predict what data will be collected. Furthermore, movement data may help to better understand or inform conservation of an entire species, but it does not infringe on the coastal state׳s sovereign rights because the marine species and not the scientists that use bio-logging are controlling their movement. Similarly, the use of bio-logging does not undermine the coastal state׳s authority over the conduct of traditional MSR in the EEZ. Other states enjoy a range of rights and freedoms in a coastal state׳s EEZ, including the freedom of navigation, overflight, freedom to lay submarine cables and pipelines, and other internationally lawful uses of the sea, as well as the

conditional freedom to construct artificial islands and other installations, freedom to fish, and freedom of MSR. The latter right, however, is Gefitinib order subject to coastal State consent.16 Section 3 of Part XIII of UNCLOS established a regulatory framework for MSR in the EEZ that skews authority toward coastal states. The expectation to obtain coastal state consent for MSR in the EEZ and on the continental shelf is set by Article 246 of the Convention, and it affects the behavior of states and scientists. In “normal circumstances” coastal states shall grant their consent for MSR.17 Coastal states may withhold consent for research in the EEZ and on the continental shelf that has “direct significance” for natural resources, and those

involving drilling on the continental shelf, the use of explosives, or the construction of some artificial islands and structures or that introduce toxic substances into the sea.18 Furthermore, the coastal State has the right to require the suspension of the research project in progress within its EEZ if it does not comply with these rules.19 MSR conducted inside the EEZ of a coastal state sometimes has Inositol monophosphatase 1 pitted scientists seeking to conduct research against coastal states that withhold consent, or make onerous demands to obtain it.20 This framework reflects the type of in situ research model that originated from the nineteenth century voyages of the HMS Challenger (1872–76). Oceanographic vessels and traditional research conducted over the side of the ship are a physically intrusive presence in the territorial waters and EEZ. In contrast, remote sensing techniques and virtual presence eliminates the intrusive nature of traditional MSR.

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