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The document is a report on the thirty-third Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The report covers various topics discussed during the meeting, including the election of officers, matters related to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, and administrative and budgetary matters. The report also highlights the role of the Convention in the sustainable development of the ocean and the importance of international law in enhancing the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean's resources. The text provides an overview of the proceedings and discussions at a meeting regarding the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) and the International Seabed Authority (ISA). The meeting also discussed the draft supplementary budget proposals for the Tribunal for the budget period 2023-2024, and the election of seven members of the Tribunal. The Secretary-General of the ISA provided information on the activities of the Authority, including progress in developing regulations for the exploitation of mineral resources in the Area. The Chair of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf reported on the progress of the Commission's work and highlighted the challenges faced. The text discusses various topics related to the work of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, including concerns about its workload and backlog of submissions. The Meeting also considered the annual reports of the Secretary-General on oceans and the law of the sea, emphasizing the importance of the Convention and the recent conclusion of negotiations on a new agreement. The document highlights the discussions and outcomes of the Meeting [Extracted from the article]

The document titled "Oceans and the Law of the Sea Report of the Secretary-General, 14 March 2023" provides an overview of new maritime technologies and their challenges and opportunities. It emphasizes the importance of technology in sustainable development and managing human uses of the ocean. The report discusses the role of new technologies in mitigating climate change, exploring non-living resources, and addressing the impacts of human activities. It highlights advancements in deep-sea mining, offshore renewable energy, shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, and maritime safety and security. The adoption of these technologies faces challenges such as high costs and technical complexity, but international cooperation is crucial for their successful implementation. The text also addresses the need for increased awareness and management of cyberrisks and emphasizes the importance of responsible development and continuous evolution of the legal and regulatory framework. [Extracted from the article]

"The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Part XI Regime and the International Seabed Authority: A Twenty-Five Year Journey" is a comprehensive book that provides an overview of the Part XI regime of UNCLOS and the ISA. It covers topics such as the evolution of the ISA, dispute settlement, deep seabed mining, and liability issues. The book offers valuable perspectives for academics, practitioners, and students interested in deep seabed mining. "Regulation of Risk: Transport, Trade and Environment in Perspective" explores the regulation of risk in transportation, trade, and the environment. It covers various risk issues and challenges, including international trade, safety, public health, and new technological developments. The book provides valuable insights for advanced students, legal scholars, policymakers, and practitioners in the field. "The International Legal Regime Relating to Marine Protected Area in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction: Identifying and Addressing Gaps" examines the gaps in existing legal regimes concerning MPAs in ABNJ. It offers valuable insights into the topic and remains relevant in academic, diplomatic, and policy discussions. "Conserving Biodiversity in Areas beyond National Jurisdiction" is a collection of papers that explore the conservation of marine biodiversity in ABNJ. It provides a comprehensive overview of the issues and challenges surrounding the establishment and management of MPAs in these areas. The book includes contributions from scholars, negotiators, and experts in the field, offering diverse perspectives. "Navires Autonomes: [Extracted from the article]

After over a decade of dispute settlement efforts, Israel and Lebanon reached an agreement to establish their common maritime boundary in October 2022. This agreement is a pioneering achievement in the region. It is the first maritime boundary agreement reached between two States that do not have diplomatic relations. The agreement solidifies the trend towards pursuing maritime delimitation and related arrangements over seabed resources in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. This article analyses the legal nature and content of the Lebanon-Israel 2022 maritime boundary agreement and its implications for the tripoint delimitation of the overlapping maritime areas between Cyprus, Lebanon, and Israel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the Philippine Supreme Court's landmark ruling declaring the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) unconstitutional, emphasizing its implications for Philippine foreign policy and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The JMSU, an agreement between China, Vietnam, and the Philippines for joint exploration in a contested maritime area, was challenged for contravening the Philippine Constitution's provisions on national sovereignty over natural resources. The decision reaffirms the Philippines' sovereign rights and sets a legal precedent emphasizing the primacy of the Philippine Constitution in international agreements on natural resource exploration. This article discusses the decision's significant impact on Philippine foreign policy, the ongoing territorial and maritime disputes in the South China Sea, and its wider relevance to diplomacy and international law. The ruling marks a critical affirmation of Philippine sovereignty and adherence to legal norms, shaping the country's future diplomatic relations and stressing the importance of constitutional fidelity in international agreements, especially within the contentious South China Sea areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In April 2023, Indonesia passed Law No. 16 of 2023, related to the continental shelf which supersedes Law No. 1 of 1973 which was based on the 1958 Convention on the Continental Shelf. The new continental shelf law aligns Indonesia's domestic legislation with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The new law also reaffirms the practice of using separate lines for Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf delimitations and explicitly respects previously negotiated delimitation treaties with neighbouring States. However, there are some rules that might potentially diverge from the general practices of States particularly in relation to artificial islands, platforms, and submarine cables and pipelines. This article examines significant aspects and concerns associated with this legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) for the onshore and offshore extraction of petroleum resources from Bangladesh's sovereign territory has grown in recent years due to maritime delimitations among its neighbouring countries. To ensure the long-term investment, social well-being, economic growth, and energy stability of the country, the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has introduced the Model Offshore Production Sharing Contract (PSC)-2023. This article aims to provide an analysis of the Model PSC-2023. Through a thorough examination of the Model PSC-2023, it will address any existing loopholes and provide recommendations for its improvement. This article will be instrumental in launching the future development of the offshore model offshore production sharing contract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese Government issued a declaration defining straight baselines between Hainan and Vietnam on 1 March 2024. In doing so, it has completed the definition of baselines off the western side of Hainan through to the terminus of the China-Vietnam land boundary on the coast. Straight baselines can be declared where the coast is complex as a result of coastal indentations or the presence of a fringe of islands along and close to the coast. They provide a simplified baseline along the coast from which to measure maritime zones. Straight baselines can also push the outer limits of the territorial sea further seaward than if 'normal' baselines are used. This article outlines China's recent announcement regarding its territorial sea baselines as well as the limits delineated from them and considers it in light of international jurisprudence and State practice on baselines. It is anticipated that China's new baselines system will not impact on the already agreed China-Vietnam maritime boundary in the Gulf of Tonkin but that China will likely face criticism about the manner in which it has drawn these baselines although there is currently little prospect of a dispute reaching international adjudication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyses the 2022 Agreement between the Italian Republic and the Republic of Croatia on the delimitation of their exclusive economic zones. The Agreement marks a significant step forward in international relations and maritime law, reflecting a mutual commitment to resolving maritime boundaries in accordance with international law. The two States have agreed that the delimitation line of the EEZs aligns with the continental shelf boundary between the Parties, as defined by the 1968 Agreement, and the 2005 Technical Correction Agreement. Moreover, since cooperation in the North Adriatic basin, both bilateral and trilateral with Slovenia, remains an important cornerstone for their relationships, they also approved a Joint Declaration on the Adriatic Sea's Resources. This Declaration has a particular focus on preservation of the marine Adriatic environment to improve connectivity, security and cooperation in the blue economy sectors. This article, after providing the historical and legal context of the international relations between Italy and Croatia in the field of maritime cooperation, seeks to conduct a thorough examination of the 2022 Agreement, with particular reference to the methodology employed for delimitation, as well as the conflict clause and dispute settlement mechanisms introduced. In addition, the article will consider the issue of resources management, as set out in the 2022 Joint Declaration. The analysis is intended to determine the consistency of the Agreement with the law of the sea, whilst also highlighting prospective challenges and assessing Italy's contribution to formulating strategies for the forthcoming management of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the key-hole tumuli discovered in the Yŏngsan River basin, focusing on their significance within the historical context. Notably, this region garnered attention for its jar coffins and haniwa-like artifacts, previously undocumented in the Korean peninsula. Although key-hole tumuli, a burial tradition typical of Japan, are infrequently found in this area, so far fourteen have been unearthed. Typically located on plains or hills near coastal or river areas, their placement suggests a connection between the burying community and maritime trade routes. While some scholars propose that these monuments were constructed for Wa immigrants unable to return to Kyūshū due to local unrest, I contend that they represent an effort by the Wa people or a closely associated community to establish a symbolic and ideological connection with the Chŏlla territory, thereby gaining control over its resources. After discussing various aspects of the burial customs in Korea and examining the theories proposed by Korean and Japanese researchers, this article aims to interpret the trend as a brief, but intentional, effort by a new group to establish their importance in the Yŏngsan River basin by constructing elaborate burial structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proposed Quadrilateral Security Initiative is a game changer in the strategic landscape of the wider Indo Pacific where the maritime countries such as India, United States, Japan and Australia with networked countries such as Indonesia and Vietnam would form a strategic arch to counter Beijing's aggressive intent in the region. United States will form a vital cog in the wheel of the strategic umbrella. The Quadrilateral Security Initiative is a game changer in the wider US China power struggle in the region. Earlier the contours of the Quadrilateral Security Initiative 2.0 were mooted during the 2017 ASEAN summit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The difficulties in using conventional mitigation techniques to maintain global-mean temperatures well below 2 ∘ C compared with pre-industrial levels have been well documented, leading to so-called "climate intervention" or "geoengineering" research whereby the planetary albedo is increased to counterbalance global warming and ameliorate some impacts of climate change. In the scientific literature, the most prominent climate intervention proposal is that of stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI), although proposals for marine cloud brightening (MCB) have also received considerable attention. In this study, we design a new MCB experiment (G6MCB) for the UKESM1 Earth-system model which follows the same baseline and cooling scenarios as the well-documented G6sulfur SAI scenario developed by the Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project (GeoMIP), and we compare the results from G6MCB with those from G6sulfur. The deployment strategy used in G6MCB injects sea-salt aerosol into four cloudy areas of the eastern Pacific. This deployment strategy appears capable of delivering a radiative forcing of up to -1 W m -2 from MCB, but at higher injection rates, much of the radiative effect in G6MCB is found to derive from the direct interaction of the injected sea-salt aerosols with solar radiation, i.e. marine sky brightening (MSB). The results show that while G6MCB can achieve its target in terms of reducing high-end global warming to moderate levels, there are several side effects. Some are common to SAI, including overcooling of the tropics and residual warming of middle and high latitudes. Other side effects specific to the choice of the targeted MCB regions include changes in monsoon precipitation, year-round increases in precipitation over Australia and the maritime continent, and increased sea-level rise around western Australia and the maritime continent; these results are all consistent with a permanent and very strong La Niña-like response being induced in G6MCB. The results emphasize that considerable attention needs to be given to oceanic feedbacks for spatially inhomogeneous MCB radiative forcings. It should be stressed that the results are extremely dependent upon the strategy chosen for MCB deployment. As demonstrated by the development of SAI strategies which can achieve multiple temperature targets and ameliorate some of the residual impacts of climate change, much further work is required in multiple models to obtain a robust understanding of the practical scope, limitations, and pitfalls of any proposed MCB deployment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to conduct a preliminary re-evaluation of the claim made by the Government of Sarawak regarding its jurisdiction over oil and gas on the continental shelf. The basis of Sarawak's claim is rooted in the pre-Malaysia status quo of state territory, which was established through the Alteration of Boundaries of 1954. This proclamation extended the borders of the state to include the continental shelf adjacent to its coast, ensuring the state's rights to natural resources, including oil and natural gas. However, this research questions the legality of the 1954 law based on the context of legal history. It appears to be incompatible with the 1958 Geneva Convention on the High Seas and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. These conventions provide the statutory basis for incorporating sea territorial waters beyond three nautical miles and designating Exclusive Economic Zones for specific nations. As such, obtaining jurisdiction over sea territorial waters was the responsibility of the federal government of Malaysia, which acted as the deemed signatory. The research will employ content analysis of relevant secondary sources, as well as selected historical and legal documents. By doing so, it hopes to bring clarity to the legal complexities in the historical context surrounding Sarawak's claim. The ultimate goal is to redefine the current dimension of the issue and seek an amicable solution to address the jurisdictional matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transboundary cooperation is a priority for the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). For over thirty years since its formation, it has pursued policies of integration and cooperation among its members with the aim of promoting development and reducing social and economic inequalities across the region. Within the last decade, the islands have embarked on ambitious plans for a sustainable Blue Economy, centred on developing the potential of their vast maritime zones. Achieving this requires cooperation across maritime borders for the management of shared natural resources and transnational human activities, as well as for addressing transboundary challenges facing the region such as climate change, marine pollution and Sargassum influxes. Through a literature review and documentary analysis this article provides a first stocktaking of transboundary maritime cooperation in the region through a mapping of regional level policy promoting cooperation and projects among OECS members over the last decade. The analysis reveals great diversity among participating countries, thematic priorities and actors operating across multiple governance levels. The article concludes with a discussion on the drivers for cooperation among OECS members, highlighting transboundary maritime cooperation as a natural and logical approach for capitalising on opportunities and addressing challenges in a capacity constrained region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to present the issue of border traffic of foreigners and their expenses on the Polish maritime border. The study is based on quantitative data on border traffic and expenses of foreigners in Poland. The time of the study was 2014–2021. Thus, the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on foreigners' mobility and spending in Poland was additionally taken into account. For the purpose of this paper, the following study methods were adopted: reference literature analysis, secondary data analysis and comparative analysis. The paper mainly uses data from official statistics and the Border Guard. The study has shown that the Polish maritime border generates the smallest volume of border traffic, however, its share increased during the analysed period from 0.7% in 2014 to 0.8% in 2021. Nevertheless, it is foreigners crossing the maritime border who on average spend in Poland more than twice as much as foreigners crossing the Polish land border. In 2020, they spent the most on non-food goods (40%) and services (34.7%). As the study results reveal, their spending patterns and travel purposes are different from those of foreigners crossing the land border. The potential that foreign visitors bring is significant for the development of border areas in such sectors as tourism, services and trade. The analysis of the motivation of foreigners crossing the sea border makes it possible to shape the regional development policy of this particular area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ship graffiti in Malta can be understood as an archaeological manifestation of a Mediterranean island's maritime identity. The profusion and distribution of graffiti must be contextualized within local histories, naval powers, and maritime industry, and the ways these shaped the demographic and religious landscapes in the early modern period. Ship graffiti has the capacity to fill gaps in scholarship as well as raise important historical and archaeological questions. Technological advancements continue to revolutionize the documentation, study, and communication of graffiti sites. Systematic methodologies demonstrate the value of interpreting ship graffiti through an archaeological lens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing operational costs, the growth in ship tonnage, loss of lives, and the human factor in maritime accidents have driven the inevitable emergence of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASSs) in the world's seas. However, the universal establishment of laws and regulations for autonomous ships is still pending. Moreover, challenges arise due to the scarcity of personnel for immediate response to mitigate the impact of ship accidents and uncertainties linked to the absence of commercial autonomous voyages in international waters. Utilizing SWOT analysis as a strategic management approach enables the identification of strengths and weaknesses in a situation, awareness of related opportunities for leveraging those strengths, examination of threats, and formulation of measures against potential risks. This study encompasses a comprehensive evaluation of the positive and negative aspects of autonomous surface vehicles, encompassing their capabilities, advantages, challenges, and disadvantages. It employs SWOT analysis and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method to facilitate strategic planning necessary for the widespread adoption of autonomous ships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the spatio‐legal dynamics of marine protected areas and their relation to socio‐environmental justice. It adopts a critical legal geography perspective to unpack ocean lawscape configurations triggered by territorial claims, the international mechanisms for maritime boundary‐making, and state sovereignty instruments. It is empirically focused on the Seaflower marine biosphere reserve, a protected area amid a geopolitical contestation between Nicaragua and Colombia in the southwestern Caribbean. By analysing its spatio‐legal history over two decades (2000–2021), the paper sheds light on the marine legalities of this region, which are often contradictory and overlapping. Focusing on the marine lawscape of Colombia, it explores the relationship between protected areas and marine territorialisation, also reflecting on the governance regimes' effects on indigenous livelihoods and marine biodiversity. The paper concludes that (i) marine protected areas are regularly being disrupted, re‐bordered, and reconfigured by the international ocean regimes governing the oceans; (ii) the link between the creation and management of marine protected areas and territorial jurisdiction compromises social and environmental justice, and (iii) inclusion of indigenous legalities might enhance equity and sustainability in ocean governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some of Beijing’s recent assertive actions in the South China Sea can be understood as a manifestation of what Chinese analysts call “independent development”. The concept is conceived as a responsive measure to what Beijing views as other claimants’ unilateral hydrocarbon development activities in the South China Sea and as a means to pressure other claimants into engaging in joint development with China and to compensate for what Beijing perceives as the disadvantages it faces being a latecomer to the energy development race in the region. In attempting to conduct independent development, China has mostly targeted areas of the South China Sea that overlap with Vietnam’s designated oil and gas development blocks. By contrast, when dealing with the Philippines, especially during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte (2016–22), China has adopted the more loosely defined concept of “cooperative development” to minimize potential legal and political barriers that Philippine leaders may face domestically. With Malaysia, China has traditionally been ambivalent to the prospect of joint development but may increasingly utilize independent development to nudge Malaysia into starting a serious discussion on joint development. However, pursuing independent development does not portend China’s abandonment of joint or cooperative development. Indeed, there remains hope for regional collaboration in hydrocarbon development in the South China Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to present carbon monoxide (CO) emissions trends from January 2019 to June 2021 in Southeast Asian waters and the South China Sea (SEA-SCS). Using securitization theory, the data obtained from geospatial analysis was the basis for constructing CO as a threat. The results showed high CO density in the region due to economic activities that caused pressure on the marine air environment. Unfortunately, this has not been explicitly discussed in regional maritime cooperation, even though the states and territories bordering these waters are increasingly vulnerable to climate change. This article argues that securitizing CO as a threat represents substantial progress in the environmental- political cooperation in the SCS and surrounding waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the beginning of the 2010s, Türkiye has been subjected to efforts of exclusion from the deepening energy collaborations in the Eastern Mediterranean. In 2020, Turkish Parliament approved a bill authorizing the deployment of troops to support Libya in countering various threats to its stability and integrity. These threats included terrorist organizations, irregular migration that had an impact on the entire region, illegal armed groups, and human trafficking. Additionally, Türkiye took steps to disrupt the anti-Türkiye axis in the region by signing a maritime delimitation agreement with Libya to establish clear boundaries for maritime jurisdictional areas. With this move, Türkiye positioned itself as a game changer in the Eastern Mediterranean. Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCASC), who are uncomfortable with Türkiye's steps in line with its rightful interests, have made concerted efforts to involve the EU in the issues related to the Eastern Mediterranean region, acting in favor of their own unilateral interests. The EU, eventually, has decided to impose sanctions on Türkiye, particularly as a result of discussions in the European Parliament. The biased and unfair attitude of the EU, coupled with its implementation of sanctions, will have significant political costs on Türkiye-EU relations. In this context, an evaluation is being made regarding the effectiveness of the EU's stance and applied sanctions, considering the EU's perspective and its claim to be an actor in the region within the context of the current balance of power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Using the reanalysis and multiple observations, the possible impact of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) on early summer (June–July) rainfall in eastern China and its modulation by the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO) are examined. The composite results show that the suppressed (enhanced) convection anomalies for MJO phases 8–1 (4–5) are more concentrated over the maritime continent and the western Pacific during easterly QBO (EQBO). As a consequence, more significant wet (dry) anomalies develop in South (eastern) China during MJO phases 8–1 (4–5) configured with easterly (westerly) QBO. The enhancement and expansion of the anomalous tropical convection band do not necessarily correspond to enhancement of the extratropical circulation response to MJO phases 8–1 (4–5) configured with westerly (easterly) QBO. The anomalous high (low) over the maritime continent and western Pacific associated with MJO phases 8–1 (4–5) is intensified (deepened) during easterly (westerly) QBO, leading to large southwesterly (northeasterly) anomalies in South China and the coasts, carrying abundant (sparse) moisture. Two anomalous meridional circulation cells are observed for MJO phases 8–1 in the East Asia sector, with downwelling anomalies around 5–20 ∘ N, upwelling anomalies around 20–30 ∘ N, and another downwelling branch northward of 30 ∘ N, which are enhanced during easterly QBO. The anomalous meridional circulation cells are reversed for MJO phases 4–5, which are stronger during westerly QBO with the anomalous downwelling and dry anomalies covering eastern China. The combined impact of MJO phases 8–1 and easterly QBO on the early summer rainfall is noticeable in 1996, 2016, and 2020. The enormous rainfall amount appeared along the Yangtze River in 1996, 2016, and 2020 due to the extended period of MJO phases 8–1 under the background of the easterly QBO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrorist attacks epitomize a direct threat to the security of Middle Eastern citizens as well as global stability. As one of the Middle Eastern countries, Egypt suffers from terrorism in terms of human life and economic loss. Studying the spatial distribution of terrorist attacks and factors that may affect their frequency is critical for understanding this violent behavior and helping decision-makers fight terrorism. This study examines the spatial distribution of terrorist attacks in Egypt between 2004 and 2019 and its correlated factors. To fulfill this aim, spatial and spatiotemporal analyses were applied to analyze terrorist attack hotspots in the country, and 14 geographical, natural, social, and economic factors were tested for significant correlation to terrorist attacks by utilizing statistical and geographical weighted regression (GWR) analysis. Spatial distribution analysis results for the whole study period revealed two main hotspots: one in Greater Cairo, the capital of Egypt, and the second in the North Sinai Peninsula. There were additional small hotspots in Alexandria City, the Nile Delta region, and the northern part of the Nile Delta. The statistical analysis concluded a significant positive correlation between terrorist attacks and the fragile state index, education index, precipitation, distance to the land boundary, population density, poverty index, economic freedom index, and unemployment rate. Whereas, freedom index and distance to maritime boundaries had a significant negative correlation with terrorist attacks. GWR revealed significant positive correlations between terrorist attacks and NTL, population density, precipitation, and temperature in the North Sinai Governorate. The same governorate showed a negative correlation between terrorist attacks from one side and topography and drought index from the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocean acidification poses a myriad of challenges, particularly to marine environments and ecosystems. Its negative repercussions are equally obvious from a human-centric perspective. Despite efforts to address ocean acidification through various international legal frameworks, current international legal frameworks, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the United Nations Convention on Climate Change, which represent the climate change regime and the ocean regime, respectively, fall short of adequately addressing ocean acidification challenges. Because of the climate change regime's atmospheric -centered perspective and the ocean regime's pollution-oriented perspective, ocean acidification falls between the cracks and is not a priority for either regime. To adequately address the issues posed by ocean acidification, a concerted effort between the the legal regime addressing climate change and the legal regime regulating maritime affairs is crucial. This effort might be realized by developing a robust governance system that encompasses both of these regimes, which are specifically tailored to tackle ocean acidification. Given the complexity of ocean acidification governance, the distribution of roles for both regimes should be thoroughly examined. Due to its broad reach, the ocean regime might take the lead in directing the trajectory of ocean acidification, while the climate change regime might provide assistance within the context of ocean acidification governance. Active mutual reference and due diligence obligations could be employed in this scenario to bridge the gaps created by both the climate change regime and the ocean regime regarding ocean acidification. The active interaction between these regimes might pave the way for proper ocean acidification governance in order to meet the challenges posed by ocean acidification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of a pilot programme to include psychological tests in the qualification rules for candidates for military divers and scuba divers. 207 candidates for training at the Polish Army Divers and Scuba Divers Training Centre were tested. They were subjected to mental fitness tests, personality tests, psychomotor fitness tests and general fitness tests. Numerous psychological contraindications to undertaking training and diving service were identified; the most common issue identified being a lack of robustness of the diver's mental state for dealing with the situations likely to be encountered in the water. The conclusions suggest that, as in other countries, psychological examinations should be included in the qualification of candidates for diving. The results of the tests, despite their non-mandatory nature, were partly taken into account in the opinion of the Military Maritime and Medical Commission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyses the modalities of China's combinatory unrestricted warfare. After an investigation of the founding principles of Chinese military thought, the second part of the article is dedicated to the importance of technology in modern warfare and more specifically what Chinese military thinkers called "informatization," which enables a combinatory unrestricted warfare strategy. Through a geopolitical analysis, the last part of this article specifies the modalities of Chinese combinatory unrestricted warfare applied to China's security concerns: ensuring Chinese economic development and the preservation of China's territoriality, including Taiwan and its territories in the SCS (South China Sea) and ECS (East China Sea). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to evaluate the impact and repercussions of sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) on the spatiotemporal variability of precipitation in the Upper Iguaçu (UIW), Upper Ribeira (URW), and Coastal (CW) watersheds, located in the eastern region of the state of Paraná and the southern region of Brazil. Methodological procedures used in this research include clustering analysis (K-means) to obtain homogeneous pluviometric groups in each watershed and a vector autoregressive model (VAR) to analyze the correlation between pluviometric anomalies and maritime indicators such as the El Niño-Southern oscillation (ENSO) indicators Southern oscillation index (SOI) and Oceanic Niño index (ONI), the Pacific Decadal oscillation (PDO), and the Tropical Atlantic meridional gradient (TAMG), using data provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The spatial analysis revealed a rainfall structure of higher yearly amounts in the coastal watershed and leeward of the Serra do Mar, while an expressive sector of the Ribeira watershed presents a significant reduction of the yearly rainfall amounts compared to the sea coast. The VAR model has shown that the ONI climate indicator had the greatest significance and spatial breadth in determining the rainfall anomalies in the study area. Six out of the fifteen homogeneous groups identified in this study have rainfall anomalies related to one of the three maritime indicators (SOI, PDO, or ONI) with a predominance of a lag of 2 to 3 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the leaked security agreement between China and the Solomon Islands, which has significant implications for the geopolitical landscape of the South Pacific region. China's first-known bilateral security arrangement in the area enables potential deployment of its forces near vital shipping lanes, raising concerns about a future Chinese military base. The agreement's leaked details reveal provisions for Chinese personnel to assist in maintaining social order and providing humanitarian aid. Australia, New Zealand, and the United States have expressed apprehension, with Washington reopening the US embassy in the Solomon Islands and negotiating exclusive military use rights with other nations. This move by Beijing expands China's maritime strategic presence and bolsters its hard power in the region, while also enhancing its soft power through similar agreements with other Pacific Island nations. The establishment of Chinese naval bases in the Solomon Islands would be a significant development with far-reaching implications for the Indo-Pacific. Urgent proactive measures are needed to mitigate potential conflicts and uphold regional stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Scandinavian nations are maritime nations but this does not mean that 'maritime' is a natural and conscious component of modern national identities in Scandinavia. National identities are shaped by diverse historical narratives and experiences, and they fluctuate in time and space. The contributions to this forum attempt to answer the question of to what extent modern national identities in Scandinavia incorporate such a maritime component. They study this question from the perspectives of Swedish naval officers and popular music culture, Danish maritime heritage culture and maritime labour, and Finland's naval diplomacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the Montreux Convention (1936), governing the straits connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. It is a focus of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, given the Russian naval blockade of Ukrainian ports. The Convention prevented countries from sending ships into the Black Sea to break the 2022 blockade. In July 2022, an agreement was brokered between Turkey and United Nations for limited exports, especially grain, as without it there would be millions of starving people worldwide. Russia agreed, provided that imports to Ukraine would not be permitted. The period from February to July 2022 was tense, questioning if the North Atlantic Treaty Organization would contravene the Montreux Convention to break the export blockade. Since then, concerns remain around the import blockade. Unless other agreements can be reached, the Montreux Convention and other similar international conventions may be put to the test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to analyse the identity-making role played by the maritime factor in promoting the international picture of the young Finnish republic by using the case study of the frigate Suomen Joutsen on its international voyages from 1931 to 1939. The rituals of naval diplomacy meant that the political, diplomatic and commercial authorities of the nations visited were brought on board the ship and contacts were made with the recently established Finnish consular network. In addition to such contacts, the extensive use of the press and radio was an important factor in promoting the young Finnish republic. Moreover, in countries with important communities of Finnish emigrants, contacts were made with those groups. Finally, with a floating exhibition of Finnish products on board, it was possible to establish commercial relations. Hence, the international cruises of the Suomen Joutsen were fundamental channels for the representation of the young Finnish nation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing pressure on marine ecosystems by various economic, social, and ecological activities has led to conflicts and a decline in the ecosystem's ability to provide marine goods. Marine spatial planning has become necessary for the coastal states to establish a more rational organization of marine space that integrates economic exploitation, social benefits, and marine environment protection. The beginnings of marine spatial planning date back to the 1970s, with successful initiatives in countries such as Australia, Ireland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Portugal. In southern Europe, initiatives like SHAPE in the Adriatic Sea discuss maritime boundaries and national jurisdictions, whereas in northern and central Europe, licensing requirements for wind energy and other marine activities play a significant role. Conflicts with maritime traffic, fisheries, and protected areas have prompted the initiation of marine spatial planning in Belgium and Germany. The multidisciplinary nature of marine spatial planning allows for the sustainable use of marine resources and the reduction of negative impacts on the environment. Conflicts can be minimized by considering the specific interests and spatial needs of various stakeholders, and the marine space can be utilized more efficiently. This paper examines the implementation of marine spatial plans across various levels, ranging from small national jurisdictions to large areas like Australia. The authors emphasize the significance of utilizing marine spatial plans as a basis for the development of marine spaces. By analysing the factors that define marine spaces and their activities, both present and future, conflicts can be prevented, and incompatible activities can be avoided in the same area. The findings highlight the importance of proactive planning to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources and the protection of marine ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nepheloid layers and turbidity currents transport large quantities of detrital sediments to deep-sea basins. Locally they may control seawater – detrital particle interactions and modify dissolved REE concentrations and εNd distributions of the oceanic margin. However, to date, such processes have been poorly documented, especially in oceanic margins characterized by contrasted mineralogical compositions. Dissolved REEs and εNd from three water stations collected in the northern South China Sea (SCS) close to the Taiwanese deep-sea canyons have been analyzed, with the aim of determining the influence of nepheloid layers and mineralogical composition of lithogenic inputs on dissolved REE and εNd distributions in the ocean. Results indicate that the most radiogenic εNd value (−2.5 ± 0.2), observed at about 400 m, corresponds to the inflow of North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW) into the SCS. When compared with previously published Nd isotope, our current study suggests that the εNd value of NPIW which enters the SCS (from 300 to 800 m water depth) is not modified by unradiogenic sediments off the southern margin of Taiwan Island, whereas they become less radiogenic along the margin of eastern China due to Nd exchange with unradiogenic sediments (between −10.2 and −12.6) from the tropical soils of Chinese rivers basins. We have proposed that pedogenetic minerals from Chinese tropical soils modify the Nd isotopic compositions of seawater more efficiently than fresh detrital minerals resulting from very high rates of physical erosion on Taiwan Island. The MREE/MREE*, La/Sm and La/Yb ratios in nepheloid layers indicate that lateral transportation of lithogenic material within the water column can preferentially adsorb LREE compared to MREE and HREE through the scavenging process. However, this process has a negligible impact on seawater εNd of the northern SCS. At the bottom of several water stations, a negative excursion of εNd values, associated with an increase in MREE/MREE* ratios and a decrease in La/Sm ratios, suggests a remineralization flux resulting from the dissolution of Mn oxides during early diagenesis of deep-sea sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Illicit maritime activity, such as piracy and smuggling, is a global issue that often occurs in areas where interdiction authorities are sparse, ground-based monitoring technologies like radar lack range and coverage, and dark vessels abound. Our objective was to assess vessel congregation patterns, identify likely beaching areas based on terrain maps, and use them to narrow the search for potential smuggling transfer and overland routes in a specific region along the Puntland coast of Somalia. To accomplish this goal, we developed automated protocols applied to WorldView satellite imagery for (1) vessel detection and size classification, (2) shallow-water bathymetric characterization, and (3) coastal topography mapping. Utilizing a single sensor for vessel detection and topographic and bathymetric extraction at high spatial resolution and at a high re-visit rate provides a simplification to near-shore characterization for monitoring purposes. The extracted topography and bathymetry are then presented as a single, comprehensive perspective of a coastal region. The vessel-detection algorithm identified all vessels larger than approximately 15 metres in length (35 of 35), but misidentified six artefacts (i.e. false positives), resulting in an overall accuracy of 85%. The combined vessel and terrain maps facilitated the identification of a potential beaching and overland transportation route location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Norway exemplifies a number of paradoxes in relation to the just transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy provision. We investigate these paradoxes by focusing on key controversies from the oil and gas sector and onshore wind power. Despite the widespread interest in avoiding conflict and increasing public acceptance, this article sees controversies as useful sites for uncovering justice issues in possible transition pathways. The controversies reveal competing interpretations of just transition amidst an inadequate cross-cutting policy response. Conventional solutions for restructuring petro-maritime industries involve taking controversies out of sight from the public and internalizing the issue of just transition to the sector's needs. This achieves only shallow engagement with broader society regarding the scope of societal transition needed to meet climate policies. Controversies around onshore wind installations are on the doorsteps of communities themselves and call attention to the difficult social aspects of transition that require a much broader public debate and policy response. We conclude that just transition should not be interpreted sectorally in competing energy futures but rather should infiltrate both the fossil and renewables sides of the Norwegian energy provision paradox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) comprises of likeminded countries India, Australia, US and Japan. It is a significant player in the Indo-Pacific region amidst a growing Chinese influence. This research paper assesses the effectiveness of Quad in the maritime containment of China. The paper also circulates around individual national interests that may hinder the effectiveness of Quad while also underscoring its limitations. The research was conducted using a qualitative research method. Secondary sources such as journal articles, news, and official joint statements by the alliance were consulted to formulate this paper. The alliance is subjugated to the potential impact on the future of the Indo-Pacific region. Lastly, its effectiveness is quite uncertain towards a counter balancing China and its significant implications for regional security and freedom of navigation. In terms of future prospects, the maritime security and its threats will keep on changing with evolving time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a globalized world, maritime transportation is a crucial component for both producers and consumers. In this sector, where 10 billion tons of freight are moved each year, both shippers and carriers grapple with financial obligations. The requirement for ship operators to perform precise cost calculations is growing daily to stay competitive and avoid financial difficulties because of high investment and operational costs. However, traditional costing methods, which are already in use, are believed to be unable to provide businesses with the precise information they require. Therefore, in this study, the cost structure of ship management is examined and the activity-based costing (ABC) method is used with the help of simulation. The data obtained from the ABC model created with simulation support were compared with the companies' current traditional costing methods. The results show that there is a difference in the calculations between the simulation-based ABC method and the traditional costing method. According to this study, the cost difference is approximately $7,000. Considering that the firm's annual total cost remains unchanged, it can be assumed that the costs for loadings other than the one under consideration are higher than expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-season convection permitting regional climate simulation of the Maritime Continent using the Met Office Unified Model with 2.2-km grid spacing is presented and evaluated. The simulations pioneer the use of atmosphere-ocean coupling with the multi-column K profile parametrisation (KPP) mixed layer ocean model in atmospheric convection permitting climate simulations. Comparisons are made against a convection parametrised simulation in which it is nested, and which in turn derives boundary conditions from ERA5 reanalysis. This paper describes the configuration, performance of the mean state and variability of the two simulations compared against observational datasets. The models both have minor sea surface temperature (SST) and wet precipitation biases. The diurnal cycle, representation of equatorial waves and relationship between SST and precipitation are all improved in the convection permitting model compared to the convection parametrised model. The MJO is present in both models with a faster than observed propagation speed. However, it is unclear whether fidelity of the MJO simulation is inherent to the model or whether it predominantly arises from the forcing at the boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have shown the abundance of fisheries resources in the waters of the northern part of the Philippines bordering southern Taiwan. However, discrepancies in legal frameworks, enforcement mechanisms, and cultural practices, as well as maritime boundary issues, contribute to complexities in collaboration. This paper thus aims to provide an understanding into the intricacies and challenges faced by both countries in managing their shared fishing resources. By analyzing the relevant international laws and instruments on fisheries cooperation, the paper shows what coastal states and entities fishing in the high seas could do to manage and conserve fishery resources in disputed areas. Existing fisheries agreements in the region such as the Taiwan–Japan Fisheries Cooperation provide a template of the kind of cooperation that can be concluded within the overlapping waters of both nations. Results of the analysis show how important it is for both nations to acknowledge the significance of fisheries cooperation in the overlapping waters. By recognizing the mutual benefits of sustainable resource management through peaceful dialogue, establishing a fisheries cooperation under the legal framework of the WCPFC is the logical solution. The findings contribute to understanding the complexities of cross-border fisheries cooperation and provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lightning is a modern societal problem that continues to increase in line with technological growth. Today's infrastructure is very vulnerable to disturbances caused by weather conditions. The most influential weather phenomenon in this regard is the weather produced by cumulonimbus (CB) clouds. Almost every year, tanks and refineries in Indonesia explode due to lightning strikes. Furthermore, there have been several instances of outages in transmission and distribution lines, as well as lightning-related fatalities in mining areas. Lightning characteristics are widely used as important data for designing lightning protection systems. However, in Indonesia, there is still a need to obtain proper lightning characteristic data. Indonesia is a maritime country located in the tropics, making its geographical conditions highly conducive to the formation of cumulonimbus (CB) clouds. Therefore, this paper presents direct lightning peak-current measurements using magnetic tape, which has been installed in several provinces in Indonesia. The paper reports the local lightning characteristics for these provinces and presents a method for obtaining lightning data. To efficiently collect lightning data on a large scale, we propose a measurement system consisting of a lightning-event counter and magnetic tape. While magnetic tape has been widely used in laboratory testing, this research discusses its application and measurement results in natural lightning conditions in the field. The novel lightning characteristics obtained for several provinces in Indonesia are expected to assist professionals in designing lightning protection systems that match the local lightning characteristics, ultimately minimizing the impact of lightning damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The maritime zones of a state are influenced by the position of the baselines used. The position of the baseline will change along with coastline dynamics. Few causes of coastline dynamics are accretion and abrasion. The inventory method was used to gather findings in the shape of incongruencies on the Indonesian Nautical Chart. Comparative analyses were carried out using the Indonesian baseline map. The abrasion and accretion rate calculation using a Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) based on Otsu Thresholding was carried out on each incongruencies study area Siberut Island, Wunga Island, and South Kuta Regency. The case study results showed the coastal dynamics rate in Siberut Island of 7.41 metres/year, Wunga Island 12.08 metres/year, and South Kuta Regency 0.91 metres/year. This phenomenon caused changes in the maritime zone on Siberut Island to decrease by 15.78 km2, Wunga Island to increase by 23.04 km2, and South Kuta Regency to increase by 0.07 km2. The implication of the baseline incongruencies can affect the changes of Indonesia's maritime zones, becoming wider or smaller. It is suggested that basepoints and baselines in the unilateral maritime zones be maintained and updated regularly to match the actual conditions that can shift due to coastline dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immediate response by countries worldwide to curb the spread of Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020 was through the implementation of border lockdown, minimizing human movements. Malaysia launched Ops Benteng (Fortress Operation) via National Task Force (NTF) as the country faced high risk transmission through under-detected illegal movements of people across the land and maritime borders. Human trafficking and smuggling has been a great concern before the pandemic, and thus posing unprecedented challenge to the Malaysian border security agencies. This paper aims to analyze the role of security agencies involved in Ops Benteng, the extent of coordination and challenges faced by NTF while implementing the border control measures. The methods include structured interview with officials from Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), the Home Ministry (KDN), and the National Security Council (NSC). This studywill be the first in articulating duties and responsibilities, as well as cooperation between border control agencies and challenges faced in security governance structures. The author argues that the dilemma of compartmentalizing problems by the agencies working in silo and the bureaucratic hurdles that impede coordination efficiencies need to be addressed by all involved stakeholders and the implementation efficiency can be further enhanced by an integrated cooperation framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amid the intricate expanse of the South China Sea (SCS), enduring disputes intricately involve multiple nations. China deftly employs a strategic hybrid warfare approach, adroitly harnessing nonmilitary forces such as coast guards to execute coercive actions, thereby propelling its territorial and economic objectives. The intricacies of this approach intersect with the complexi-ties of applying the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. These intricacies are compounded by maritime security disagreements, prevailing power imbalances, and the persistent rivalry between the United States and China. This rivalry introduces an added layer of intricacy to an already intricate situation. Ensuring stability necessitates a united front among other actors to counter China's multifaceted strategies. Nevertheless, the potential lingers for China to ulti-mately succeed in its efforts to expel the United States from the South China Sea, resulting in its metamorphosis into an internally controlled body of water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic pressure and climate change have generated important changes in the environmental conditions of Antarctic ecosystems. These changes include the introduction of non-native species, rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and the expansion of ice-free areas. These alterations can have adverse effects on the native flora. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the potential impact of the non-native plants: Poa annua and Juncus bufonius on native species Colobanthus quitensis and Deschampsia antarctica under climate change simulated conditions. Individuals of C. quitensis/D. antarctica and J. bufonius/P. annua were exposed to four different growth conditions: 6 °C/low water availability (LW); 8 °C/LW and 6 °C/high water availability (HW) and 8 °C/HW. We hypothesized that competition would be more intense at 8 °C/HW, whereas facilitation would be the predominant interaction at 6 °C/LW. The results revealed that under 8 °C/HW conditions, all species experienced a significant increase in biomass production. However, the mortality rate of native species shows the opposite trend. The Relative Interaction Index (RII) showed a competitive effect of both non-native species on D. antarctica, independent of temperature and water availability, while for C. quitensis competition is more intense at LW conditions. These findings demonstrate that the impact of climate change could exacerbate the effects of non-native species on native species in Antarctic ecosystems. This includes non-native species that have been reported but have not yet established stable populations in the maritime Antarctic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]