Where Are We on the Law of the Sea?

For some time there has been a consensus that the old rules for the oceans are inadequate. They do not adequately protect the world's fish supply. For example, Japan, the Soviet Union and other nations with large foreign fishing fleets conduct massive sweeps through the coastal waters of other countries, including the United States, and cause grave damage to their stocks. There is overfishing on the high seas.

A number of species of whales are threatened with extinction. Rules for conservation are obviously needed.