This textbook explores the subject from the perspective of public international law, covering all the key topics from the legal regimes governing the different jurisdictional zones, to international cooperation for protection of the marine environment. Students interested in inter-national environmental and natural resources law will also find chapters on emer-ging issues such as the conservation and the protection of natural resources and bio-diversity in the oceans. Combining clarity of expression with engaging academic analysis, this is required reading for all students of the subject.