The Law of the Sea and the Indian Ocean

The oceans are under stress from growing coastal populations, rapid industrialization and over-consumption of resources. Many people in the coastal zone depend on its waters for their livelihood. Paradoxically, coastal waters suffer worst from the effects of pollution. As a result, people in the Indian Ocean region are becoming increasingly concerned about the growing problems of the marine environment. And since the same problems crop up in several countries, the best response is to find shared solutions through regional co-operation.