The Conquering of Inner Space. Resources and Conflicts on the Seabed

Abstract

In discussing the legal and political problems connected with exploitation of the inorganic resources of the continental shelf and deep seabed, the author examines the types and amount of resources available. Placing special emphasis on the interests of the developing countries, he goes on to suggest some of the probable consequences of large-scale extraction of offshore fuels and metals. Against this backdrop, the article concludes that, in the short run, the Third World countries are not likely to benefit greatly from the creation of a UN Sea-Bed Regime. In the final section of the article, some significant lines of division in UN Sea-Bed Committee are discussed.