Some aspects of the legal regulation of state activities on the seabed

Abstract

The relevance of the research is determined by the global role played by the seabed in maintaining the planet's ecological balance, promoting marine biodiversity, and serving as a source of valuable economic resources. The current international legal regime of the Area under the seabed requires a comprehensive approach to the utilization and management of its resources, aiming to safeguard the interests of all humanity. The foundation of this regime is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982 (UNCLOS), which designated the Area as the «common heritage of humankind» and established a specific legal status for its resources. However, some states attempt to extend their influence over the seabed beyond the continental shelf through national legislation.

The objective of the article is to analyze the legislative practices of certain countries concerning the seabed. Particular attention is given to the regulatory acts of Germany, China, the United Kingdom, the United States, and others. Using general scientific and specialized methods, including systems analysis and comparative legal methods, the study examines the specifics of legal regulation of activities in the Area in different countries.

The findings provide insight into how states approach the regulation of exploration and resource extraction processes on the ocean floor. The conclusions emphasize that effective regulation of seabed activities requires a comprehensive approach combining international and national mechanisms. The key principles include sustainable resource use, ecosystem preservation, equitable economic benefit distribution, and compliance with international safety standards. A critical component is scientific and technical cooperation among nations, which fosters experience exchange and the implementation of best practices for seabed activity management.