Towards a possible international agreement on marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction

As a result of the structure of international law some 64 % of the world's oceans lies beyond the national jurisdiction of coastal States. Over recent years growing concerns within the international community over the adequacy of the existing legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction have led to discussions under the auspices of the United Nations General Assembly on the possible development of a new international legal instrument. This study was provided by Policy Department A for the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI).