The development and initial implementation of Australiaʹs ‘integrated and comprehensive’ Oceans Policy

Australiaʹs ratification of the Law of the Sea Convention has led to the declaration of an 11 million square kilometre exclusive economic zone. The increased responsibilities which go with this zone has resulted in the Australian Government preparing an “integrated and comprehensive” Oceans Policy. This paper reviews international progress in the development of oceans policy before describing and discussing the development and initial implementation of the Australian Oceans Policy. The development of the policy is analysed in terms of the interplay between various stakeholders and the issues included in the policy, with reference to lessons which may be of value to other countries in developing and implementing their own responses to the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention.