Conservation issues in coastal waters : state sovereignty, indigenous peoples and international obligations

Abstract

The small master thesis is dedicated to the problem of coastal states’ jurisdiction over their marine biological resources, the challenge of ratio between states’ sovereignty and international obligations on conservation management and human rights (collective indigenous peoples’ rights to fishery) and a sustainable use of marine living resources. The basic reason for the conservation policy is the environmental destruction. The aim of this thesis is threefold. Firstly, it analyzes and discusses in what manner international law limits state sovereignty with respect to nature conservation and fishery in the territorial waters. Secondly, it analyses state obligations due to international standards vis-à-vis indigenous peoples’ fishing rights. This includes both rights to fish and procedural aspects related to the management of fisheries and traditional knowledge. Thirdly, the thesis illustrates how these recognized international obligations have been interpreted by domestic law by briefly describe relevant aspects of Russian law.