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FiGtJBE 3. — Environmental Science Services Administration Survey Ship 

 "Oceanographer." 



The 1958 and 1960 Law of the Sea Conferences, conducted under 

 U.N. auspices, were landmarks in the development of the legal code 

 governing the use of the seas and their resources. Four conventions 

 have since come into force : 



Convention on Fishing and Conservation of the Living Resources 

 of the High Seas. 



Convention on the High Seas. 



Convention on the Continental Shelf. 



Convention on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone. 

 While these conventions provide a basis for resolving a major part 

 of the conflicts among nations, they have not attempted to cover all 

 contingencies. As advancements in technology place the sea's re- 

 sources within the grasp of more nations, the principles enunciated — 

 and omitted — in these conventions take on added significance. More- 

 over, to regulate the use of marine resources in a manner which will 

 insure their wise disposition requires an understanding of the oceanic 

 environment and a forecast of man's interaction with his natural 

 environment. No one nation can explore the seas alone. All nations 

 will benefit ; all should contribute. 



The Increasing Role of the United Nations 



Since the founding of the L^nited Nations, this country has played 

 a leading role in mobilizing international interest in preserving and 

 promoting peace through this world forum. The international char- 



37 



