New Technologies and Law of the Marine Environment

The safeguarding of the ocean''s resources for present and future generations is an essential condition for sustainable development. New technologies, however, are contributing to the increasingly intensive exploration and exploitation of marine resources. This unique work, bringing together contributions by renowned scientific and legal experts, analyses these new technologies, their impact on the marine environment, and the current and possible future responses of international environmental law and law of the sea.

The first part of the book looks at technological advances in the areas of fishing, aquaculture, deep sea hydrothermal vents and mineral resources, and the significant challenges these present for national and international rule-makers. The second part charts new trends in the protection of the marine environment, particularly in the establishment of marine protected areas, and emphasises the importance of international regional co-operation. The final part concerns the application of new legal concepts to the conservation of marine resources, such as sustainable development, the precautionary principle, the common heritage of mankind and the common concern of humanity.

This book is based on the updated papers of the Conference on New Technologies and Law of the Marine Environment organised in Lisbon in September 1998 by the European Council of Environmental Law. It will be of great interest to lawyers and scientists working in the field of environmental law.