Defining Scientific Research: Marine Data Collection

Under "marine data collection" this chapter lists the following four categories: Marine scientific research (MSR); surveys; operational oceanography; and exploration and exploitation of natural resources and underwater cultural heritage. The relevant maritime zones where these activities take place are the territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), continental shelf, deep seabed beyond the limits of national jurisdiction (the Area), straits used for international navigation, and archipelagic sea lanes. The chapter examines what is involved in each of these activities, and reviews the applicable legal regimes. It also demonstrates that neither surveys, operational oceanography, or exploration and exploitation are MSR regulated by Part XIII of the Law of the Sea Convention (LOSC); rather they are subject to separate legal regimes. Keywords: exclusive economic zone (EEZ); hydrographic surveys; Law of the Sea Convention (LOSC); marine data collection; Marine Scientific Research (MSR); operational oceanography