Mishita Jethi talks about the various environmental treaties, international obligations and participatory approach towards the conservation of marine life and our oceans.

Abstract

With the increase in the commercialization of coastal areas and the sea waters, the threat to marine ecosystem and biodiversity has also rapidly increased. In light of this, States have an obligation under various international conventions and treaties to preserve marine biodiversity and use marine resources sustainably. The article analyses the freedom that States have had over the high seas and how the status quo is gradually changing towards a regulated use of the high seas for sustainable development and preservation of marine ecosystem. The article has identified the threats to marine ecosystem, which include, coastal tourism, overfishing, pollution and illegal trade of marine biological species. The article goes on to elaborate the various obligations that States have under customary international law and specific conventions and treaties to preserve marine ecosystem. The conclusion reached is that international trade policies affecting the seas, particularly at the WTO level, should be made keeping in mind the plausible harm that they might cause to the marine resources. It also suggests that innovative methods should be adopted by States to preserve marine ecosystem.