The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea : A Marine Discourse

Abstract: The marine environment’s evolving discourse on oil pollution in the High Seas since the 1958 Convention on the High Seas and the Convention on Fishing and Conservation of the Living Resources of the High Seas is of great significance. This research aims to investigate the changes and developments in this discourse, shedding light on the importance of addressing oil pollution and its impact on the marine environment. By examining the changes in discourse, the study aims to highlight the difficulty of the problem and the potential implications of its resolution. The approach involves analyzing the 1958 Conventions, GESAMP reports, and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The findings indicate that the 1982 treaty successfully addressed the semantic ambiguity of the terms ships and oil found in the 1958 Conventions. The inclusion of the term vessels in the treaty provided a more comprehensive definition, ensuring coverage of all types of ships. Furthermore, the discourse expanded beyond a singular focus on oil, encompassing a broader range of pollutants and environmental concerns. These results signify progress towards a more holistic approach to combat oil pollution in the high seas. The implications of these findings underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to protect and preserve the marine environment.