United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Document type Multilateral Field of application Global Date Dec 10, 1982 Source IUCN (ID: TRE-000753) Title abbreviation UNCLOS Title (French) Convention des Nations Unies sur le droit de la mer Title (Spanish) Convención de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Derecho del Mar Title (Other) Seerechtsübereinkommen der Vereinten Nationen Place of adoption Montego Bay Depository UN United Nations Language Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish Entry into force Nov 16, 1994 Subject Legal questions, Sea Keyword Alien species Inspection Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings Management/conservation Deep sea bed Islands Bycatch Offences/penalties Enforcement/compliance Risk assessment/management Fishing licence fee Authorization/permit Fishery management and conservation Total allowable catch Marine fisheries Liability/compensation Pollution control Future generations Marine pollution Dispute settlement Monitoring Stock enhancement/repopulation Maritime zone Policy/planning Marine pollution (dumping at sea) Size Contract/agreement Access right Education Data collection/reporting Research EIA International organization Long-range air pollution Marine mammals Mining Business/industry/corporations High seas Sovereignty Marine pollution (land-based sources) Migratory species Vessel ownership Court/tribunal Marine resources management Jurisdictional competence Fishing licence Harbour Early warning system/emergency intervention system Fishing gear/fishing method Navigation Registration Continental shelf Marine pollution (ship-based sources) Exploration Seasons International relations/cooperation Technology transfer EEZ-Exclusive Economic Zone Sustainable use Geographical area Arctic Link to abstract TRE-AB-EN-000753.rtf TRE-AB-OT-000753.rtf Full text English French Spanish Website www.un.org www.un.org treaties.un.org Country/Territory/Participant See Expanded View Show Map Countries Entry into force Ratification * Simple signature Reservation Afghanistan - - Mar 18, 1983 - Albania Jul 23, 2003 Jun 23, 2003 [2] - - Algeria Jul 11, 1996 Jun 11, 1996 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Angola Nov 16, 1994 Dec 5, 1990 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Antigua and Barbuda Nov 16, 1994 Feb 2, 1989 [1] Feb 7, 1983 - Argentina Dec 31, 1995 Dec 1, 1995 [1] Oct 5, 1984 - Armenia Jan 8, 2003 Dec 9, 2002 [2] - - Australia Nov 16, 1994 Oct 5, 1994 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Austria Aug 14, 1995 Jul 14, 1995 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Azerbaijan Jul 16, 2016 Jun 16, 2016 [2] - - Bahamas Nov 16, 1994 Jul 29, 1983 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Bahrain Nov 16, 1994 May 30, 1985 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Bangladesh Aug 26, 2001 Jul 27, 2001 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Barbados Nov 16, 1994 Oct 12, 1993 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Belarus Sep 29, 2006 Aug 30, 2006 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Belgium Dec 13, 1998 Nov 13, 1998 [1] Dec 5, 1984 - Belize Nov 16, 1994 Aug 13, 1983 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Benin Nov 16, 1997 Oct 16, 1997 [1] Aug 30, 1983 - Bhutan - - Dec 10, 1982 - Bolivia (Plurinational State of) May 28, 1995 Apr 28, 1995 [1] Nov 27, 1984 - Bosnia and Herzegovina Nov 16, 1994 Jan 12, 1994 [4] - - Botswana Nov 16, 1994 May 2, 1990 [1] Dec 5, 1984 - Brazil Nov 16, 1994 Dec 22, 1988 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Brunei Darussalam Dec 5, 1996 Nov 5, 1996 [1] Dec 5, 1984 - Bulgaria Jun 14, 1996 May 15, 1996 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Burkina Faso Feb 25, 2005 Jan 25, 2005 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Burundi - - Dec 10, 1982 - Cabo Verde Nov 16, 1994 Aug 10, 1987 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Cambodia - - Jul 1, 1983 - Cameroon Nov 16, 1994 Nov 19, 1985 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Canada Dec 27, 2003 Nov 7, 2003 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Central African Republic - - Dec 4, 1984 - Chad Sep 13, 2009 Aug 14, 2009 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Chile Sep 24, 1997 Aug 25, 1997 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - China Jul 7, 1996 Jun 7, 1996 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Colombia - - Dec 10, 1982 - Comoros Nov 16, 1994 Jun 21, 1994 [1] Dec 6, 1984 - Congo Aug 8, 2008 Jul 9, 2008 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Congo, Dem. Rep. of Nov 16, 1994 Feb 17, 1989 [1] Aug 22, 1983 - Cook Islands (New Zealand) Mar 15, 1995 Feb 15, 1995 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Costa Rica Nov 16, 1994 Sep 21, 1992 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Croatia Apr 5, 1995 Apr 5, 1995 [4] - - Cuba Nov 16, 1994 Aug 15, 1984 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Cyprus Nov 16, 1994 Dec 12, 1988 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Czech Republic Jul 21, 1996 Jun 21, 1996 [1] Feb 22, 1993 - Côte d'Ivoire Nov 16, 1994 Mar 26, 1984 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Denmark Apr 14, 2004 Nov 16, 2004 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Djibouti Nov 16, 1994 Oct 8, 1991 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Dominica Nov 16, 1994 Oct 24, 1991 [1] Mar 28, 1983 - Dominican Republic Aug 9, 2009 Jul 10, 2009 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Ecuador Oct 24, 2012 Sep 24, 2012 [2] - - Egypt Nov 16, 1994 Aug 26, 1983 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - El Salvador - - Dec 5, 1984 - Equatorial Guinea Aug 21, 1997 Jul 21, 1997 [1] Jan 30, 1984 - Estonia Sep 26, 2005 Aug 26, 2005 [2] - - Eswatini, Kingdom of Oct 24, 2012 Sep 24, 2012 [1] Jan 18, 1984 - Ethiopia - - Dec 10, 1982 - European Union May 1, 1998 Apr 1, 1998 [3] Dec 7, 1984 - Fiji Nov 16, 1994 Dec 10, 1982 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Finland Jul 21, 1996 Jun 21, 1996 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - France May 11, 1996 Apr 11, 1996 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Gabon Apr 10, 1998 Mar 11, 1998 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Gambia Nov 16, 1994 May 22, 1984 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Georgia Apr 20, 1996 Mar 21, 1996 [2] - - Germany Nov 16, 1994 Oct 14, 1994 [2] - - Ghana Nov 16, 1994 Jun 7, 1983 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Greece Aug 20, 1995 Jul 21, 1995 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Grenada Nov 16, 1994 Apr 25, 1991 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Guatemala Mar 11, 1997 Feb 11, 1997 [1] Jul 8, 1983 - Guinea Nov 16, 1994 Sep 6, 1985 [1] Oct 4, 1984 - Guinea-Bissau Nov 16, 1994 Aug 25, 1986 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Guyana Nov 16, 1994 Nov 16, 1993 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Haiti Aug 30, 1996 Jul 31, 1996 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Honduras Nov 16, 1994 Oct 5, 1993 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Hungary Mar 7, 2002 Feb 5, 2002 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Iceland Nov 16, 1994 Jun 21, 1985 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - India Jul 29, 1995 Jun 29, 1995 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Indonesia Nov 16, 1994 Feb 3, 1986 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Iran, Islamic Republic of - - Dec 10, 1982 - Iraq Nov 16, 1994 Jul 30, 1985 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Ireland Jul 21, 1996 Jun 21, 1996 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Italy Feb 13, 1995 Jan 13, 1995 [1] Dec 7, 1984 - Jamaica Nov 16, 1994 Mar 21, 1983 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Japan Jul 20, 1996 Jun 20, 1996 [1] Feb 7, 1983 - Jordan Dec 27, 1995 Nov 27, 1995 [2] - - Kenya Nov 16, 1994 Mar 2, 1989 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Kiribati Mar 26, 2003 Feb 24, 2003 [2] - - Korea, Dem. People's Rep. - - Dec 10, 1982 - Korea, Republic of Feb 27, 1996 Jan 29, 1996 [1] Mar 14, 1983 - Kuwait Nov 16, 1994 May 2, 1986 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Lao, People's Dem. Rep. Jul 5, 1998 Jun 5, 1998 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Latvia Jan 23, 2005 Dec 23, 2004 [2] - - Lebanon Feb 5, 1995 Jan 5, 1995 [1] Dec 7, 1984 - Lesotho Jun 30, 2007 May 31, 2007 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Liberia Oct 25, 2008 Sep 25, 2008 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Libya - - Dec 3, 1984 - Liechtenstein - - Nov 30, 1984 - Lithuania Dec 12, 2003 Nov 12, 2003 [2] - - Luxembourg Nov 4, 2000 Oct 5, 2000 [1] Dec 5, 1984 - Madagascar Sep 21, 2001 Aug 22, 2001 [1] Feb 25, 1983 - Malawi Oct 28, 2010 Sep 28, 2010 [1] Dec 7, 1984 - Malaysia Nov 13, 1996 Oct 14, 1996 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Maldives Oct 7, 2000 Sep 7, 2000 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Mali Nov 16, 1994 Jul 16, 1985 [1] Oct 19, 1983 - Malta Nov 16, 1994 May 20, 1993 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Marshall Islands Nov 16, 1994 Aug 9, 1991 [2] - - Mauritania Aug 16, 1996 Jul 17, 1996 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Mauritius Nov 16, 1994 Nov 4, 1994 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Mexico Nov 16, 1994 Mar 18, 1983 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Micronesia, Fed. States Nov 16, 1994 Apr 29, 1991 [2] - - Moldova, Republic of Mar 8, 2007 Feb 6, 2007 [2] - - Monaco Apr 20, 1996 Mar 20, 1996 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Mongolia Sep 12, 1996 Aug 13, 1996 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Montenegro Nov 22, 2006 Oct 23, 2006 [4] - - Morocco Jun 30, 2007 May 31, 2007 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Mozambique Apr 13, 1997 Mar 13, 1997 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Myanmar Jun 20, 1996 May 21, 1996 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Namibia Nov 16, 1994 Apr 18, 1983 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Nauru Feb 22, 1996 Jan 23, 1996 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Nepal Dec 2, 1998 Nov 2, 1998 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Netherlands Jul 28, 1996 Jun 28, 1996 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - New Zealand Aug 18, 1996 Jul 19, 1996 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Nicaragua Jun 2, 2000 May 3, 2000 [1] Dec 9, 1984 - Niger Sep 6, 2013 Aug 7, 2013 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Nigeria Nov 16, 1994 Aug 14, 1986 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Niue (New Zealand) Nov 10, 2006 Oct 11, 2006 [1] Dec 5, 1984 - North Macedonia Nov 16, 1994 Aug 19, 1994 [4] - - Norway Jul 24, 1996 Jun 24, 1996 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Oman Nov 16, 1994 Aug 17, 1989 [1] Jul 1, 1983 - Pakistan Mar 26, 1997 Feb 26, 1997 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Palau Oct 30, 1996 Sep 30, 1996 [2] - - Palestinian Authority Feb 1, 2015 Jan 2, 2015 [2] - - Panama Jul 31, 1996 Jul 1, 1996 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Papua New Guinea Feb 13, 1997 Jan 14, 1997 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Paraguay Nov 16, 1994 Sep 26, 1986 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Philippines Nov 16, 1994 May 8, 1984 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Poland Dec 13, 1998 Nov 13, 1998 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Portugal Dec 3, 1997 Nov 3, 1997 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Qatar Jan 8, 2003 Dec 9, 2002 [1] Nov 27, 1984 - Romania Jan 16, 1997 Dec 17, 1996 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Russian Federation Apr 12, 1997 Mar 12, 1997 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Rwanda - - Dec 10, 1982 - Saint Kitts and Nevis Nov 16, 1994 Jan 7, 1993 [1] Dec 7, 1984 - Saint Lucia Nov 16, 1994 Mar 27, 1985 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Nov 16, 1994 Oct 1, 1993 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Samoa Sep 13, 1995 Aug 14, 1995 [1] Sep 28, 1984 - Sao Tome and Principe Nov 16, 1994 Nov 3, 1987 [1] Jul 13, 1983 - Saudi Arabia May 24, 1996 Apr 24, 1996 [1] Dec 7, 1984 - Senegal Nov 16, 1994 Oct 25, 1984 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Serbia Mar 12, 2001 Mar 12, 2001 [4] - - Seychelles Nov 16, 1994 Sep 16, 1991 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Sierra Leone Jan 12, 1995 Dec 12, 1994 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Singapore Nov 17, 1994 Nov 17, 1994 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Slovakia Jun 7, 1996 May 8, 1996 [1] May 28, 1993 - Slovenia Jun 16, 1995 Jun 16, 1995 [4] - - Solomon Islands Jul 23, 1997 Jun 23, 1997 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Somalia Nov 16, 1994 Jul 24, 1989 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - South Africa Jan 23, 1998 Dec 23, 1997 [1] Dec 5, 1984 - Spain Feb 14, 1997 Jan 15, 1997 [1] Dec 4, 1984 - Sri Lanka Nov 16, 1994 Jul 19, 1994 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Sudan Nov 16, 1994 Jan 23, 1985 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Suriname Aug 9, 1998 Jul 9, 1998 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Sweden Jul 25, 1996 Jun 25, 1996 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Switzerland May 31, 2009 May 1, 2009 [1] Oct 17, 1984 - Tanzania, Un. Rep. of Nov 16, 1994 Sep 30, 1985 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Thailand Jun 14, 2011 May 15, 2011 [1] Dec 10, 1982 May 15, 2011 Timor-Leste Feb 7, 2013 Jan 8, 2013 [2] - - Togo Nov 16, 1994 Apr 16, 1985 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Tonga Sep 1, 1995 Aug 2, 1995 [2] - - Trinidad and Tobago Nov 16, 1994 Apr 25, 1986 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Tunisia Nov 16, 1994 Apr 24, 1985 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Tuvalu Jan 8, 2003 Dec 9, 2002 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Uganda Nov 16, 1994 Nov 9, 1990 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Ukraine Aug 25, 1999 Jul 26, 1999 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - United Arab Emirates - - Dec 10, 1982 - United Kingdom Aug 25, 1997 Jul 25, 1997 [2] - - Uruguay Nov 16, 1994 Dec 10, 1992 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Vanuatu Sep 9, 1999 Aug 10, 1999 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Viet Nam Nov 16, 1994 Jul 25, 1994 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Yemen Nov 16, 1994 Jul 21, 1987 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Zambia Nov 16, 1994 Mar 7, 1983 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - Zimbabwe Nov 16, 1994 Feb 24, 1993 [1] Dec 10, 1982 - * [1] Ratification [2] Accession/approbation [3] Acceptance/approval [4] Succession [5] Consent to be bound [6] Definite signature reset zoom out zoom in References - Treaties Enables Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 Treaty | Multilateral | New York | Jul 28, 1994 Keyword: International organization, Deep sea bed, High seas, Exploration, Financing, Technology transfer Source: IUCN (ID: TRE-001196) Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks Treaty | Multilateral | New York | Aug 4, 1995 Keyword: Bycatch, Biodiversity, Artisanal fishing, Policy/planning Source: IUCN (ID: TRE-001237) Cited by Protocol on Hazardous and Noxious Substances Pollution, Preparadness, Response and Cooperation in the Pacific Region Treaty | Multilateral | Nouméa | Sep 10, 2006 Keyword: Polluter pays principle, Marine area, Emissions, Ecosystem preservation, Research, Public health, Marine pollution (ship-based sources), Hazardous substances, Precautionary principle, Education, Marine pollution, Tourism, International relations/cooperation Source: IUCN (ID: TRE-160045) The Protocol Concerning the Protection of the Environment from Land-Based Activities in in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden - Inofficial English Translation Treaty | Multilateral | Jeddah | Sep 25, 2005 Keyword: Coastal zone management, Coral, Waste non-domestic sources, Recycling/reuse, Tourism, Solid waste, Marine pollution (land-based sources), EIA, Monitoring, Industrial water use, Environmental technology, Air quality/air pollution, Public health, Groundwater, Polluter pays principle, Mangroves, Effluent waste water/discharge, Surface water, Effluent waste (industrial sources), Marine pollution Source: IUCN (ID: TRE-160049) Protocol on the Control of Marine Transboundary Movements and Disposal of Hazardous Wastes and Other Wastes Treaty | Multilateral | Tehran | Mar 17, 1998 Source: IUCN (ID: TRE-001298) Agreement for the Establishment of the Regional Commission for Fisheries (RECOFI) Treaty | Multilateral | Rome | Nov 11, 1999 Keyword: Certification, Registration, Fishing area, Size, Dispute settlement, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing gear/fishing method, Education, Marine resources management, Institution, Seasons, Data collection/reporting, Marine fisheries, Precautionary principle Source: IUCN (ID: TRE-001333) Convention for the Strengthening of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission established by the 1949 Convention between the United States of America and the Republic of Costa Rica Treaty | Multilateral | Washington D.C. | Jun 27, 2003 Keyword: Ecosystem preservation, Endangered species, Education, Sustainable use, Technology transfer, Marine resources management, Precautionary principle, Data collection/reporting, Fishery management and conservation, Research, Protection of species, Access-to-information, Monitoring, Total allowable catch, Registration, Enforcement/compliance, Dispute settlement, NGO, EIA, Institution, Marine fisheries, Offences/penalties Source: IUCN (ID: TRE-001378) International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001 Treaty | Multilateral | London | Mar 23, 2001 Keyword: Jurisdictional competence, Enforcement/compliance, Registration, Certification, Marine pollution, Liability/compensation, Oil pollution, Vessel ownership Source: IUCN (ID: TRE-001377) Agreement for the Establishment of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission Treaty | Multilateral | Rome | Nov 25, 1993 Source: IUCN (ID: TRE-001227) Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution, Preparedness and Response in the Arctic Treaty | Multilateral | Kiruna | May 15, 2013 Keyword: Oil pollution, Marine protected areas, Marine pollution (dumping at sea), Marine pollution (land-based sources), Marine pollution (ship-based sources), Marine area, Polluter pays principle, Marine pollution, Oil, Indigenous peoples Source: IUCN (ID: TRE-160032) Protocol concerning cooperation in preventing pollution from ships and, in cases of emergency combating pollution of the Mediterranean Sea Treaty | Multilateral | Valletta | Jan 25, 2002 Keyword: Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Marine pollution, Continental shelf, Risk assessment/management, Data collection/reporting, Authorization/permit, Early warning system/emergency intervention system, Monitoring, Maritime zone, Marine pollution (dumping at sea), Registration, Transport/storage, International relations/cooperation, Biodiversity, Hazardous substances, Marine pollution (ship-based sources), Dispute settlement, Navigation, Research Source: IUCN (ID: TRE-001402) Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks Treaty | Multilateral | Nairobi | May 18, 2007 Keyword: Oil pollution, High seas, Wild fauna, Marine area, Marine fisheries, Marine pollution (ship-based sources), Wild flora, Hazardous substances, Marine pollution, Navigation Source: IUCN (ID: TRE-160031) Convention on the Conservation and Management of Fishery Resources in the South East Atlantic Ocean (SEAFO) Treaty | Multilateral | Windhoek | Apr 20, 2001 Keyword: Environmental planning, Marine mammals, Ecosystem preservation, Marine area, Turtles, Biosphere reserves, Collecting/harvesting, Management/conservation, International agreement-text, Fishing authorization, Maritime zone, Biodiversity, Marine fishes, Aquatic animals, Stock enhancement/repopulation, International organization, Zoning, Access right Source: IUCN (ID: TRE-001384) Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Russian Federation on Cooperation for the Purposes of Preventing, Deterring and Eliminating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Treaty | Bilateral | Portland | Sep 11, 2015 Keyword: Sovereignty, Fishery management and conservation, Fish products, Management/conservation, Fishing vessel, Transshipment, Inspection, Landing Source: FAO, FAOLEX; IUCN (ID: TRE-160051) Other references Literature 571 records related to this treaty. View literature Jurisprudence 12 jurisprudence related to this treaty. View jurisprudence