Sun, 03 May 2026 09:05:51 +0000

You’re Breaking the Law Each Time You Claim Dominion Over the Seas The idea of claiming dominion over the world’s oceans may evoke imagery of epic maritime conquest, but in reality, much of global ocean governance is governed by complex international laws that explicitly prohibit unlawful sovereignty claims. This article explores why asserting absolute control over the seas is not only unconstitutional under international law but often illegal—raising critical questions about freedom, jurisdiction, and the legal boundaries of maritime power. ### The Legal Foundations: UNCLOS and Sovereign Limits The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), ratified by 168 nations, establishes the primary legal framework governing maritime zones. Under UNCLOS, no single nation may claim full sovereignty over the oceans. Instead, maritime zones are strictly categorized: