Revised measure requiring consent for foreign research seeks to ensure U.S. environmental protections and coastal security.
President Donald Trump issued a revision last week to a previous presidential proclamation that now provides coastal states the “right to regulate, authorize, and conduct marine scientific research (MSR) in their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and on their continental shelf” within their jurisdictions. Under the presidential proclamation of 1983, “the United States required advance consent for MSR conducted in its EEZ and on the U.S. continental shelf only when such research implicated certain U.S. domestic legal requirements.”
The State Department stated, “To improve our ability to explore, map, and inventory waters under U.S. jurisdiction and ocean resources, increase our maritime domain awareness, and enhance maritime security, the United States has updated its policy on marine scientific research (MSR). All MSR conducted by foreign researchers, foreign states, and international organizations in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and on the U.S. continental shelf is now subject to advance consent by the U.S. government consistent with international law. As a research nation, the United States recognizes the importance of MSR and its valuable contributions to society, and we will continue to facilitate MSR consent.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the president as he endeavors to protect the coastal environment and security of the U.S.
- For the State Department as greater compliance with international law is implemented in U.S. marine territory.
- For the U.S. Coast Guard as they monitor environmental safety and national security.
- For foreign marine researchers to abide by this update in accordance with international law.
Sources: White House, State Department
