Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, Mazie Hirono, Lisa Murkowski, and Tim Kaine have introduced a resolution calling on the U.S. Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The convention, which has already been ratified by 168 nations and the European Union, outlines the rights and responsibilities of countries regarding the world's oceans and provides a legal framework to protect those rights and avoid conflicts.

Dr. Cassidy emphasized the importance of the United States being involved in the discussion of international maritime laws. He stated, "While the U.S. dallies, Russia and China are moving into seabed mining. UNCLOS will protect our domestic shipping industry, national security, and economic security by ensuring we are able to compete with existing monopolies at sea."

Senator Hirono highlighted that the U.S. is one of the few signatories that have not yet ratified UNCLOS. She emphasized that ratifying the convention would strengthen national security, expand oceanic access for maritime industries, and support efforts to preserve the environmental health of the oceans. She said, "Ratifying UNCLOS enables the U.S. to participate in the decision-making process regarding our planet's oceans and seas."

Senator Murkowski stressed the need for the U.S. to ratify UNCLOS in order to maintain influence in the global maritime domain. She stated, "The longer we sit out, the longer the rest of the world will continue to set the agenda of the maritime domain, from seabed mining to critical subsea infrastructure." She also highlighted the importance of keeping China's territorial advances in the South China Sea in check.

Senator Kaine, as Chairman of the Armed Services' Subcommittee on Seapower and a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, emphasized the significance of ratifying UNCLOS in protecting the economy and national security. He stated, "U.S. ratification of UNCLOS would underscore our commitment to freedom of navigation worldwide and the importance of this agreement."

The resolution introduced by these senators aims to ensure that the U.S. takes its rightful place in the international conversation on territorial rights, navigation, environmental protections, and economic opportunities in the world's oceans and seas. It also seeks to strengthen the U.S.'s ability to defend international law of the sea and protect its own national security and commercial interests.

UNCLOS is a comprehensive legal framework that governs all uses of the world's oceans and seas, including environmental control, marine scientific research, economic and commercial activities, and the settlement of disputes relating to ocean matters. It has been in force since November 16, 1994, and has garnered support from various organizations, including environmental, scientific, labor, and industry groups.

Ratifying UNCLOS is crucial for the U.S. to actively participate in shaping the rules and regulations that govern the world's oceans. It would ensure that the U.S. can protect its interests, compete with other nations, and contribute to the preservation of the marine environment.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-hirono-murkowski-kaine-introduce-resolution-calling-on-u-s-senate-to-ratify-un-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea/