Watery Grave: Why International and Domestic Lawmakers Need to Do More to Protect Oceanic Species from Extinction

Abstract:     
The living creatures in the world's oceans face many threats, including overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and global climate change. International law aimed at protecting the natural environment has blossomed in the last several decades, but the decline of the oceans must lead us to ask if existing laws and policies are adequate to the task. This paper looks first at international treaties and conventions addressing the various threats to marine life, and then explores the possible role and effectiveness of domestic laws by focusing on Alaska, home of the world's largest whitefish fishery.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 42

Keywords: marine life, extinction, Alaska, fishery, biodiversity, overfishing, sustainable, habitat, pollution, high seas

Accepted Paper Series