Foreword

The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. The Convention, in its Preamble, recognizes “the desirability of establishing [...] a legal order for the seas and oceans which will [...] promote [...] the study [...] of the marine environment”. Part XIII of the Convention is entirely devoted to the subject of marine scientific research. The General Assembly of the United Nations has consistently highlighted the importance of marine science for eradicating poverty, contributing to food security, conserving the world’s marine environment and resources, helping to understand, predict and respond to natural events and promoting the sustainable development of the oceans and seas.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Life Below Water