| |  Marine Science Research Authorizations(Revised September 1, 2006)
Overview
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides that States' have jurisdiction over marine scientific research (MSR) within the 200 nautical-mile area known as the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the territorial sea. Although the U.S. does not exercise full jurisdiction over MSR within its EEZ, the U.S. recognizes all other nations' right to regulate such activities within their EEZs and territorial seas in a manner consistent with UNCLOS.
The Department of State facilitates the transmission of MSR applications to the appropriate authorities as required by UNCLOS articles 248 to 250. The Department of State assists both the U.S. research community seeking access to foreign territorial seas and EEZs and the foreign research community seeking access to U.S. waters.
For further information on marine research application procedures and forms, see:
Authorization to Conduct MSR in Foreign EEZ(s)
Authorization to Conduct MSR in U.S. EEZ
Related Instruments
Law of the Sea - see Article 19(2)(j) Innocent Passage; Article 56(1)(b)(ii) EEZ; Article 87(1)(f) High Seas; Part XI Deep Seabed, Article 143; Part XIII Marine Science Research, Articles 238-265; Part XV Dispute Resolution, Articles 287& 297.
Endangered Species Act - the basis for U.S. conservation of species that are endangered or threatened with extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range, and the conservation of the ecosystems on which they depend.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act - the basis for U.S. management of fisheries within the EEZ.
Marine Mammal Protection Act - the basis for U.S. management of marine mammals in the EEZ.
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act - the basis for U.S. management of MSR on the Continental Shelf.
Related Links
Maritime Administration - Bureau in the U.S. Department of Transportation that administers clearances for U.S. Merchant Marine Training ships.
Minerals Management Service - Bureau in the U.S. Department of the Interior that manages the nation's natural gas, oil and other mineral resources on the outer continental shelf (OCS).
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Agency in the U.S. Department of Commerce that conducts MSR.
National Science Foundation, Ocean Sciences - funds basic research and education to further understanding of all aspects of the global oceans and their interactions with the earth and the atmosphere.
Office of Naval Research - sponsors science and technology in support of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Founded in 1946, ONR today funds work at more than 450 universities, laboratories, and other organizations.
University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System - an organization of 64 academic institutions and National Laboratories involved in oceanographic research and joined for the purpose of coordinating oceanographic ships' schedules and research facilities.
OES Contact
Liz Tirpak / Roberta Barnes
U.S. Department of State
OES/OA, Room 2758
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520
Tel: 202-647-0238/0240
Fax: 202-647-1106
tirpakej@state.gov / barnesrm@state.gov
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