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GCIL HOME   HIGHLIGHTS AGREEMENT ON THE CONSERVATION OF ALBATROSSES AND PETRELS PAPAHANAUMOKUAKEA MARINE MONUMENT R.M.S. TITANIC SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS SUBJECT AREAS Antarctic Arctic Biological Diversity Climate Change Environment and Trade Extraterritorial Appl. of Laws Fisheries Heritage Marine Debris Marine Mammals Marine Pollution Marine Protected Areas Marine Turtles Marine Scientific Research Seabed Management Seabirds Ships, Regulation of Survey and Charting Treaties Underwater Sound Zones and Boundaries ACRONYMS REFERENCES

ARCTIC ISSUES The Office of General Counsel for International Law Important environmental, economic and national security issues are emerging in the Arctic and adjacent Alaskan waters from global climate change. The melting of ice is resulting in interest in newly accessible shipping lanes, the exploration and exploitation of oil, gas and other natural resources and corresponding concerns regarding environmental assessment and protection. A number of international institutions are considering these issues including the Arctic Council and the International Maritime Organization. The Arctic Council has working groups: Arctic Contaminants Action Program (ACAP), Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP), Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF), Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response (EPPR), Protection of the Marine Environment (PAME), and Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG). Additional reference information: U.S. State Department, Article: "Establishment of the Arctic Council" IMO, "Guidelines For Ships Operating in the Arctic" (Dec. 23, 2002)