Chronology-the 1980s
・ 1982-United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea
- Adopts UNCLOS at third conference
- Agrees on 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone and 12-mile territorial sea
- President Reagan announces US will not sign UNCL OS nor participate in work of its Preparatory Committee (objections to seabed mining provisions)
・ 1983-200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone
- President Reagan claims 200-nautical mile EEZ for the US consistent with LOS
Chronology-the 1990s
・ 1988-Extension of Territorial Sea
- President Reagan proclaims extension of Territorial Sea from 3-12 nautical miles in breadth, also consistent with LOS
・ 1989-Ocean Dumping Ban Act
- Prohibits dumping of sewage sludge in US waters
・ 1989-Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
- 11 million gallons of crude oil spills into Prince William Sound, Alaska