Rule of law and the marine environmental networks: Conference report

The rule of law emphasises that all laws have to be published via appropriate media, equally and fairly administered, and effectively enforced. It is also important to ensure that decision makers and administrators follow the rule of law when making decisions. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, States have a duty to adopt various rules and measures to prevent, reduce, and control pollution of the marine environment resulting from marine activities. The performance of this duty by States is evaluated by competent international organisations or through diplomatic conferences. Against this background, the 8th Ocean Law and Governance International Symposium, with a theme entitled 'Rule of Law and the Law of the Sea', was held on June 27th-28th in Dalian, China. This brief conference report provides details of the key issues discussed during the conference which may help strengthen better understanding in promoting good ocean governance.