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Twenty years ago the United Nations passed the "Law of the Sea." The Law of the Sea was intended to resolve the major oceanic problems experienced by countries. Problems such as territorial issues, fishing issues, environmental issues, pretty much anything relating to the seas. The Law of the Sea developed the 12 mile radius all countries have off of their shores. Within the 12 mile radius countries have absolute jurisdiction and power of what goes on their. There is a 200 mile economic zone where it is "for the use of
living and non-living natural resources."
The Law of the Sea made plenty of suggestions regarding increasing fish populations and preserving the natural habitat. The main problem is that they are all suggestions. The Law of the Sea offers no means of enforcement and does not state that countries should adopt the policies. It basically implies that it would be best if countries adopted them.
http://www.un.org/Depts/los/convention_agreements/convention_20years/oceanssourceoflife.pdf 
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