This article analyzes the legality of U.S. unilateral seabed mining authorized by Executive Order 14285, signed by President Donald Trump on April 24, 2025, permitting mineral extraction on the U.S. continental shelf and international deep seabed. Critics, including China, the European Union, and the International Seabed Authority, contend that this policy violates international law by circumventing Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which designates seab...| International Law Studies
The Southwest Atlantic lacks a regional fishery management organization, leaving one of the world’s largest squid fisheries at risk of overfishing during its high seas migrations. This article reviews measures available to coastal States as they seek to protect regional ecosystems and their economic interests. The ideal policy response is to conclude a regional fisheries management organization covering squid and other key regional stocks. This body should follow best practices and include ...| U.S. Naval War College Digital Commons
In 1974, Japan and the Republic of Korea (RoK) concluded a joint development agreement concerning the continental shelf where their respective maritime claims overlapped. However, there has been no oil or gas production from the joint development zone. Therefore, after five decades of the agreement being in force, and because it can be unilaterally terminated after 2028, it is appropriate to consider what happens next for Japan and RoK in the East China Sea. Looking forward, the authors consi...| U.S. Naval War College Digital Commons