Proceedings, National Conference on the States and an Extended Territorial Sea, December 9-11th, 1985

Date

1987

Authors

King, Lauriston R. and Broussard, Amy

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas A&M Sea Grant College Program

Abstract

One result of the long and intricate negotiations leading to the United Nations Law of the Sea Treaty in late 1982 was a growing international consensus on a 12-nautical mile territorial sea. The United States refused to sign the treaty and has held firm to its three-nautical mile territorial sea. The prospect of an expanded territorial sea was, however, left open as a result of President Ronald Regan's March 10, 1983, Proclamation of a 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone for the United States. This pledge to abide by all but the deep seabed mining terms of the treaty appeared to leave open the prospect of harmonizing the United States' territorial boundaries with the 12-mile limit accepted by the majority of coastal nations. Contemplation of such an extension would include an assessment of the implications for the relations between the states and federal government, particularly in terms of management responsibilities, allocation of wealth, and international relations. To explore this issue, the Texas A&M University Sea Grant Program and the Sea Grant Legal Network convened a National conference eon the States and an Extended Territorial Sea in San Antonio, Texas, on December 9-11, 1985. Marine law specialists and representatives from state and federal agencies were invited to analyze and speculate on the Political and legal implications of extending the United States' territorial sea from three to 12 miles. The goal was not to defend the status quo, or to advocate an extension, but to compile and present the legal, historical, scientific and political background required for any future consideration of such a change. This volume provides the record of the presentations made at that Conference.

Description

172 pgs.

Keywords

territorial sea, coastal zone management, marine resources, government policy, freedom of the seas, congresses, meetings, symposium, proceedings, conference

Citation