ABSTRACT
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) deals with use of terms, marine genetic resources can be described as material to be found in the marine environment of any living origin containing functional units of heredity of potential or actual value. In 1996, the CBD Secretariat prepared document Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice/2/15 on bioprospecting of genetic resources of the deep seabed with a view to assisting Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice in its work and recommendations on the subject. The history of technology transfer in the context of the law of the sea is summarized in the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology. G. Shimmield reviews the types of research related to microbial marine genetic resources to be found in open waters below the depth of 200 m. The scope of the Criteria and Guidelines reflects the related provisions of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the transfer of marine technology.
