Ocean Summit takes off with US proposal for a watchdog

Friday, February 28th 2014 - 03:05 UTC

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The proposal to create an international body within the UN governing the seas was the focus this week at the beginning of the Ocean Summit. In this international meeting, world leaders emphasized its fast degradation and increasing pressure to further exploit its resources. Read full article

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Lord Ton
I can see it already ...... “Argentina demands .....” :-)
Feb 28th, 2014 - 04:49 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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Conqueror
Let's not go over the top but there might be a place for such an organisation. But there would need to be an incredible amount of work. For instance, the Law of the Sea would have to be amalgamated with admiralty law. Various countries would need to be told to amend their local laws. And, when it comes to enforcement, who will do that? The logical candidate is the United States with the largest navy. And it would need a navy. Would the United States take on, and pay for, such a force? I think not. It would need to be a multi-national force. Indeed, an extra-national force. With no allegiance to any nation. Haven't managed that with air forces, armies or navies. Every time a “crisis” comes up, individual nations have to contribute forces. And they can withdraw them just as quickly. It would need a force greater than any that any single nation could assemble. No good for the Maritime Enforcement Force to sail a single carrier battle group in if the Chinese are using five carrier battle groups to do what they want. This might be just the start of years of talking. But perhaps certain selected navies could make a start. Hauling down their national ensigns when appropriate and raising the International Maritime Enforcement Force ensign. The Royal Navy, the Royal Australian Navy. the Royal New Zealand Navy, the Royal Canadian Navy, the United States Navy.
Feb 28th, 2014 - 04:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Briton
Yes it is a good idea and something has to be done, but as much as some nations, that has been suggested can do it,

Their will be others that would oppose such a force,
And feel this as an affront both to their activities, and sovereignty, china and Japan amongst them,

Perhaps a federation style sea police,
That would patrol and enforce where poss. international waters.

Still.
This first little step may well make great strides in the future.
Just a thought..
Feb 28th, 2014 - 07:12 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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bushpilot
Could there be organized a UN Navy to do this?

They could be run by a UN committee like the UN decolonisation committee.
Feb 28th, 2014 - 10:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Conqueror
@4 That was a joke, right?

The UN decolonisation committee is about as corrupt as they come. That committee, comprising 24 members, has no less than 12 from the Caribbean and latam. And guess what. The last three chairmen of that committee have been from ecuador.
Mar 02nd, 2014 - 10:18 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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