Marine scientific research: Taking stock and looking ahead

Abstract

This chapter critically explores the international legal regime, which operates to regulate marine scientific research. It addresses current and future challenges. More particularly, the first part outlines the general characteristics of this regime. It begins with a brief legislative history to illustrate the factors that have influenced the shape of the current legal framework. It then gives an overview of the current legal framework. The second part considers implementation concerns, as well as some unsettled questions that could lead to potential confusion when the marine scientific research regime is being interpreted and applied in practice. It concludes with some general remarks regarding how marine scientific research can be more effective, a factor of great importance in combatting global ocean threats.