The world’s oceans, encompassing 70% of the world’s area and 90% of its volume, are essential to maintaining life on Earth. However, oceans are increasingly imperiled by an array of anthropogenic stressors, including pollution, overexploitation of living and non-living resources, and climate change. 

This class will focus on the primary threats posed to ocean ecosystems and the role of international law in addressing these threats. The focus of the course will be on the role of international law, including treaties and customary international law. A large portion of the course will focus on the provisions of the so-called “constitution for the oceans,” the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as the Convention's subsequent implementing agreements.