Briefly explain international treaties governing ownership and control of the ocean and marine resources, the impacts it has on Papua New Guinea. Answer must in response to the question.

Answer 1

International treaties governing ownership and control of the ocean and marine resources primarily include the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and various regional agreements. UNCLOS, established in 1982, defines the rights and responsibilities of nations regarding the use of the world's oceans, covering territorial seas, exclusive economic zones (EEZs), and the continental shelf. It allows coastal states to exert control over marine resources up to 200 nautical miles from their shores.

For Papua New Guinea (PNG), these treaties significantly impact its sovereignty over its vast marine resources, including fisheries, minerals, and hydrocarbons. PNG has one of the largest EEZs in the world, which provides access to valuable fisheries and potential seabed resources. While these international frameworks help protect PNG's rights, they also present challenges, such as the need to balance development with environmental sustainability and ensuring that foreign interests do not undermine local control. Overall, adherence to these treaties influences PNG’s economic development, marine conservation efforts, and its engagement in regional fisheries management.